Unlocking the Power of Oxytocin: The Importance of Cherishing Family Time

As we enter the festive period I wanted to reflect on the importance of family which is always at the front of our mind during this time. In particular for those of us with children. The significance of spending quality time with your children extends beyond bonding; it has profound physiological, emotional, and developmental benefits for both parent and child. Take for example the joy of teaching my children to ski, ride their bike or even build lego, these shared moments stimulate oxytocin, fostering feelings of trust and social bonding. Such biochemical interactions not only nurture a secure emotional environment but also offer potential long-term health benefits like reduced stress and improving cardiac health.

From a developmental perspective, the companionship promotes an environment for mutual learning. My experiences with my children from playing in streams and walking the dog to cooking together demonstrate how children absorb ethical values, problem-solving skills, and even leadership qualities directly from their parents. Meanwhile, the same interactions offer parents a chance to relearn the art of curiosity, flexibility, and the joy of discovery.

The mutual benefits extend to emotional well-being. Emotional intelligence, empathy, and resilience can all be cultivated in the nurturing atmosphere of parent-child companionship. Each interaction, be it a shared ski run or a simple walk with the dog, provides an opportunity for mutual emotional growth.

Parent-child time is not just a duty or a daily task to be checked off. It's an investment in holistic health, emotional intelligence, and lifelong learning for both parties involved. So take some time during this festive period to not only enjoy time with your children but help in both yours and their emotional development.

Happy holidays!

Written by Dr Andrew Crockett