CONNECTING IN TIMES OF CRISIS

We’re all dealing with big challenges right now. Stress levels are high, and many of our support systems are disrupted - disconnecting us from family, friends and colleagues.

Nurture Science Program research has shown that when we don’t connect with others, our brains can’t develop optimally, or function well. That makes us more likely to have conflict, behavioral problems, anxiety and depression.

But there are things we can do to establish and maintain emotional connection during this difficult time. We are sharing tips and exercises to strengthen emotional connection, to help calm your body and mind.

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EMOTIONAL CONNECTION DURING CRISIS

We’re all dealing with big challenges right now. Stress levels are high, and many of our support systems are disrupted - disconnecting us from family, friends and colleagues.

Nurture Science Program research has shown that when we don’t connect with others, our brains can’t develop optimally, or function well. That makes us more likely to have conflict, behavioral problems, anxiety and depression.

But there are things we can do to establish and maintain emotional connection during this difficult time. We are sharing tips and exercises to strengthen emotional connection, to help calm your body and mind.

LEARN MORE

It Starts with Emotional Connection

The Nurture Science Program at Columbia University Medical Center is a unique research program rooted in a new, evidence-based understanding of the critical role emotional connection plays in healthy child development.

Our multidisciplinary team is committed to rigorous research, and continues to develop and test nurture-based therapies that support emotional connection to help children and families address, and even avoid, emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges.

THEORY

Emotional connection and autonomic
co-regulation drive behavior and development.

RESEARCH

The power of nurture is evident from molecular biology to clinical research.

PRACTICE

Translating research findings to evidence-based care can help children and families everywhere.

What We Hope to Achieve

Millions of children suffer from emotional, behavioral, and developmental disorders that can be addressed or prevented. Current treatment strategies often are not effective. The Nurture Science Program’s work can help children and their families.

Over the past 10 years, the Nurture Science Program has amassed considerable evidence to support interventions that advance the child-family emotional connection that is critical to healthy child development. Imagine the possibilities when all children and families have this kind of support.

Announcements & News

Connecting in Times of Crisis: Crying

09/08/2020

Crying is an important part of the physiology of feelings. It’s how babies communicate their needs: to be fed, cleaned, or comforted (by touch, smell, milk, or voice). But even as we grow up and develop language, crying remains a powerful and valid form of expression.

Connecting in Times of Crisis: Connecting Through Upset

09/01/2020

Feeling upset is not a sign of weakness, it’s a powerful signal that we need to connect to each other. Only through connection – mutually expressing our deep feelings – will we find tangible, visceral relief.

Connecting in Times of Crisis: Talking

08/25/2020

It’s one thing to know that talking about our feelings is useful, but it’s another thing to put it into action. Where do we begin?

Connecting In Times of Crisis: Listening

08/17/2020

Listening starts at home, where we build the practice in our foundational relationships to foster lifelong health, well being, and harmony in every part of society.