ep 105 Building Family Connection

In Episode 105 of the Coffee with Karim Podcast, we dive into the
essential foundations of family connection, exploring the power of
attention, affection, and approval in parent-child relationships.
Discover insights on nurturing bonds, the human need for intimacy,
and navigating family challenges in the digital age, including
screen time and effective communication. Perfect for parents,
educators, and anyone looking to strengthen family ties. More Info
on Studies René Spitz’s Observational Studies (1940s): René Spitz
was a psychoanalyst who studied infants in orphanages and
hospitals. He observed that children who lacked maternal care or
consistent adult attention developed what he called “anaclitic
depression,” showing signs of developmental delays, emotional
withdrawal, and increased mortality. His work highlighted the
psychological harm caused by emotional neglect, as many infants in
orphanages during this period received minimal affection, and
caregivers often focused solely on physical needs. Harry Harlow’s
Experiments with Rhesus Monkeys (1950s): Although not directly on
humans, Harlow’s work with rhesus monkeys profoundly impacted how
we understand attachment. Harlow found that young monkeys preferred
soft, comforting "mothers" over wire ones that only provided food.
This work suggested that emotional bonds and comfort are vital to
development, reinforcing the importance of nurturing environments
for infants and challenging the practice in orphanages where
emotional support was often overlooked. Romanian Orphanage Studies
(1990s): In the 1990s, psychologists and researchers began studying
children in Romanian orphanages who had been raised in extremely
deprived conditions. These studies found that children raised
without consistent caregivers and social interaction had severe
cognitive, emotional, and physical delays. Many children
experienced attachment disorders, struggled with emotional
regulation, and had long-term developmental impacts.