Study finds long-term benefits for children that have close bond with their parents
BOSTON - A new study stresses why it's so important for parents to forge a close bond with their children.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge studied data on 10,000 people in the United Kingdom and found that those who were closer to their parents at age three were more likely to be "pro-social" and demonstrate "kindness, empathy, and generosity, by adolescence."
They also tended to have fewer mental health problems.
Children who had strained or abusive relationships with their parents were less likely to develop pro-social habits over time.
The researchers are calling on policies to support young families who may struggle to develop strong parent-child relationships due to financial strain, work pressure, or lack of time.
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