London - Being a parent is an ancient art. And it seems we could learn a thing or two about child-rearing by going back to the days of the hunter-gatherers.
Today’s practice of leaving babies to cry, keeping them in prams and car seats for long periods and not allowing them to roam outdoors is raising a dysfunctional generation, a psychologist claims.
Early societies had better ideas about parenting, says Professor Darcia Narvaez. Their children were cuddled and carried about, never left to cry, spent lots of time outdoors and were breastfed for years.
“Our research shows that the roots of moral functioning form early in life, in infancy,” she said. “But, child-rearing now is increasingly depriving them of the practices that lead to well-being and a moral sense.”
Narvaez led three studies in the US and found that ancient communities were more likely to promptly respond to a baby’s crying. “Warm, responsive care-giving like this keeps the infant’s brain calm in the years it is forming its personality and response to the world.”
Children also spent much more time playing outside. Children who don’t spend enough time playing are more likely to develop hyperactivity and mental health problems, Narvaez said.
– Daily Mail