The Importance of Affection and Attention in Child Development: Building Foundations for a Healthy Future
Affection and attention may seem like abstract, purely emotional concepts. However, they are deeply connected to an individual’s cognitive development. While they are important at any stage of life, they are absolutely essential during childhood.
When a child is learning—whether in a school setting or while discovering their own sense of self—they may feel unsure, not knowing if they are doing things right. Being in a nurturing environment that makes them feel loved and accepted can encourage them to grow and develop more fully.
Why is affection important?
Affection is important because it helps individuals feel safe, valued, and more comfortable with themselves and their surroundings. This is even more crucial during childhood, when insecurity and the feeling of not being accepted can significantly hinder development.
Affection—through physical contact, words, and emotional receptivity—is felt by the child even in the womb. It’s passed down from generation to generation, both as a cultural practice and a visceral need. In fact, the lack of physical contact and affection was one of the most damaging indirect effects of the pandemic on children.
What is the role of affection in a child’s development?
Let’s consider what Ana Rita Silva Almeida says in her book Emotion in the Classroom (1999):
“Affectivity, like intelligence, does not come ready-made nor remain unchanged. Both evolve over the course of development: they are built and change from one stage to another, as the individual grows and affective needs become cognitive ones.”
Almeida holds a postdoctoral degree in Childhood Studies from the University of Minho (Portugal) and specializes in the Sociology of Childhood, among other credentials. Her quote beautifully summarizes the relationship between affection and cognitive development.
After all, they depend on each other—especially during childhood, when a child tends to see themselves through the eyes of those around them. Since they don’t yet fully know themselves, they build their self-image based on how others perceive and treat them.
In other words, if a child receives hugs, praise, and words of love, they feel intelligent, important, and worthy of affection. On the other hand, if they are ignored or insulted, they begin to form a negative self-image—believing they are incapable of learning or growing. This belief can become a “truth” in their mind, ultimately manifesting in their actual development.
Why is emotional development in childhood important?
Emotional development during childhood is essential for a child’s growth and overall well-being. That’s because, in the early years of life, the brain develops core functions such as cognitive flexibility, working memory, and inhibitory control.
These skills directly impact a child’s ability to organize thoughts, concentrate, and make decisions later in life. As we mentioned earlier, a child who lacks affection may struggle with low self-esteem and feel incapable or unworthy of achievement.
This not only affects the quality of their childhood, but also hinders the formation of their emotional personality—potentially creating long-lasting negative effects throughout their life.
So, it’s not just cognitive development that requires a healthy dose of affection and attention, but emotional development too.
How does affection contribute to learning?
As we saw in Dr. Almeida’s quote, affection goes hand in hand with intelligence. For learning to be as effective as possible, both must work together. Here are some simple yet powerful practices that help create this balance:
Show daily acts of care, respect, and kindness. Greet children with smiles and hugs to foster a welcoming environment;
Be present and truly listen to them. Show genuine interest in their stories and emotions to strengthen emotional bonds;
Acknowledge their efforts and achievements. Remember that sincere praise builds self-esteem and motivation;
Establish a stable, predictable routine to provide emotional security and a sense of belonging;
Teach them to identify and express their emotions. Use stories and play to introduce different feelings in a healthy way;
When they face challenges, offer emotional support—a hug or a kind word can make all the difference.
With simple yet consistent and sincere actions that show affection and attention, you’ll be helping build strong foundations for a healthy future. And, just as importantly, you’ll be giving children a happier and more fulfilling present.