17/07/2022
According to Daniel Siegel (2001), relationships that are connecting support the development of social, emotional and cognitive functioning. Research has also found that children who have a parent-child connection throughout childhood are healthier, have better relationships and are less likely to be involved in crime or teenage pregnancies. When we understand that being connected is having someone who understands you and will be with you regardless of what is happening, it is easy to see why this research makes sense. If you feel safe, valued, trusted and heard, then you are more likely to make better choices. Children will grow to make decisions not out of fear of punishment, but with the values that they receive from the parent who they are connected. As they feel more confident in themselves, they are also more likely to do what they feel is right rather than be swayed by peers.
The problem is that we can take connection for granted. The bonds you have in your relationships are not permanent. Disconnection happens when we don't keep working on our relationships, or when something hurtful happens to break the trust. Keeping connection doesn't mean that we have to make huge gestures, it is built on small moments throughout the day. But it is easy to be so busy throughout the day providing the basics that we can forget the importance of these moments of connection.
More information on my blog:
https://www.thetherapistparent.com/post/what-is-connection-and-why-is-it-important
Link in bio
