Babies whose mothers are attentive and caring tend to grow up happy and well-adjusted children -- and the psychological benefits may extend well beyond childhood.
A new study followed nearly 500 infants into their 30’s. It found that babies who receive above-average levels of affection and attention from their mothers are less likely to grow up to be emotionally distressed, anxious, or hostile adults.
CNN reports:
“What's more, the link between the emotional health of adults and their mothers' affection was evident even though the mothers and babies were observed for a single day, when the babies were just 8 months old.”