Think we’ve come a long way when it comes to our modern parenting practices? Think again. While parents often have the best intentions, new research shows that detachment-parenting practices such as letting your child cry it out and bottle feeding can actually hinder brain development.

The life outcomes for North American youth are on the decline, especially compared with 50 years ago. Researchers have been looking at what may be having such a negative impact on brain development – particularly emotional development – and it looks like detachment parenting could be partially to blame.

New research presented at a symposium at the University of Notre Dame found that early, nurturing parenting practices are necessary for optimal brain and moral development. The use of infant formula over breastfeeding, isolating infants to their own room and not responding to crying seem to be having a negative impact on our children’s healthy emotional outcomes later in life.

Researchers found that breastfeeding, high responsiveness to crying, having multiple adult caregivers, and almost constant touch have a positive impact on a child’s developing brain in terms of personality and moral development.

What Parents Can Do

Not letting your child “cry it out” positively impacts conscience, while positive touch affects the way we handle stress, impulse control and empathy. Children who have a set of supportive caregivers (not just mom) tend to have higher IQ’s and ego resilience, as well as improved empathy. Having time for free play is also important, as it influences social capacities and aggression.

Kids should spend let time in carriers, car seats and strollers, and more time being held. The research also shows that it’s more important than ever to breastfeed until at least a year of age.

Kids need touch and gentle care as much as possible from birth. You can’t give your child too much love and attention.