When parents respond to the baby’s signals, they are participating in many important biological processes. They are helping the baby’s nervous system to mature in such a way that it does not get overstressed. They are helping the bioamine pathways to be set at a moderate level. They are contributing to a robust immune system and a robust stress response. They are helping to build up the prefrontal cortex and the child’s capacity to hold information in mind, to reflect on feelings and to restrain impulses, all of which will be a vital part of his or her future capacity to behave socially.
