Working to strengthen the connection with our loved ones is something we all want and we all can do. I know there are a lot of parents who feel like they’re just not as connected with their kids as in their past. It can be hard to find time for one another, when parents work outside of the home, also sometimes it feels like parents and children no longer have much in common. However, there are ways to create more connection with children and make things easier for both parties. This article will explore how oxytocin can be used to strengthen your bond with your child.
Oxytocin is a hormone that helps to strengthen connections between us, which results in better overall relationships! Often called “the hugging hormone” or ‘love chemical”, oxytocin is released when we are touched by someone that we love or feel safe around. This hormone helps to strengthen connections between us, which results in better overall relationships! It has been shown to increase trust, empathy for others’ suffering or happiness; reduce fear/anxiety responses in people who are stressed out. There’s evidence that suggests oxytocin has a positive impact on relationships and is basically the social glue that keep us together. We may not always agree with one another, but we can all come together when it comes to our kids.
To help create healthy connections between parents and kids, we make an effort to increase interaction through playtime, cuddling, or even just eye contact! And these bonds have been shown to have lasting effects for years later in life. This bonding can also be nurtured through positive interactions with adults such as teachers, coaches, and anyone who works with them on a regular basis. Since oxytocin is an anti-stress chemical, children who feel love and trust with important adults in their lives are better able to cope with stress and are more open. These positive feelings also contribute to a more positive self-image and increased empathy. This creates an upward spiral of positive social relationships.
Now that we understand the neuroscience surrounding oxytocin, how can we, as parents, teachers, coaches, and anyone who works with children, use this information? We must create a learning environment that is safe and increases the child’s “social satisfaction. As an innovative child development center, the LIFE SKILL method was developed after years of research in the areas of science and psychology. This game-based learning approach teaches with the brain in mind.
Our LIFE SKILL Instructors are trained in these areas and certain techniques used in the classroom are specifically designed to improve the oxytocin response system in children. This helps to increase social skills and improve empathetic responses. A teaching tactic such as “Healthy Competition” creates a “tribe” feeling among students and reinforces trust in relationships. LIFE SKILL also provides information to parents on the best methods for enhancing the parent-child bond.
A giant step to developing a healthy oxytocin response is for us as parents and coaches is to be aware of how our kids’ brains function. This includes understanding that as adults we can often have our brains programmed with negative thoughts and beliefs from childhood which can impact our ability to develop relationships later on in life. Once an awareness has been developed, it becomes possible for us to start retraining our brain so that it starts releasing more feel-good hormones like oxytocin when we are around children who need love and affection. If you want your family situation to improve but don’t know where to begin contact me at [email protected].
Please Remember, You’re Not Alone.
So next time, if you’re feeling down about your relationship with your child, remember what they say: “It Takes A Village!”
Life Skill Is That Village.
