The early parent-child relationship
Croughs, W.
Tijdschrift Voor Kindergeneeskunde 52(2): 39-49
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0376-7442 PMID: 6374964 Document Number: 232736
The occurrence of serious disturbances between parents and their young children, among them emotional deprivation and child abuse, brought the realization that the attachment of parents to their infants is not a matter of course. A number of personal and social factors are reviewed which could influence the bonding process between parents and their babies. The foundations of the parent-child relationship are laid in the childhoods of the parents themselves. The relation between the parents, their attitude to the expected baby, and physical, psychological, social, and economic circumstances during pregnancy and during the 1st period of the child's life are all important for the bonding process. Ideas about parentood and child rearing practices which are prevalent in their culture usually have great influence on the way parents handle their child. The infant also has an important part in the developing relationship. From the beginning, the parent-child relation is characterized by mutual interaction and subtle dialogue. The 1st hours and days after birth may be most important for the start of the bonding process. Breast feeding provides a unique opportunity for intimate contact between mother and child. Arguments are offered for paying special attention to the observation of parent-child interactions during pediatric history taking and examination. (author's modified)