– Humans are born eager for social bonding. Children need to be held and touched by dad or mom from the very first minutes and days. According to a new study published by researchers in Germany, beyond improving bonds, a parent’s touch can literally change a baby’s brain. “We explored whether the touch of parents direct at their children has effects beyond social bonding and shapes functional aspects of the developing brain,” explained the scientists.

– The German researchers focused on the “social brain,” the neuronal system that allow us to interact with other people differently than we do with inanimate objects. They looked at the mechanisms at work when we behave socially, like trying to look at our environment through someone else’s eyes. The study showed that the activity across the different neuronal networks was stronger for children who got more tactile attention from their parents. A good reason to hug your little ones without restraint!

Father and Baby (Wikipedia)

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