What role does affection play in building intelligence?

Affection is not just a tender gesture; it is a biological and psychological catalyst for brain development. The human brain, especially in the early years, thrives on connection. When a caregiver offers warm hugs, soft words, and consistent eye contact, it sends powerful signals to the child’s nervous system. These moments release oxytocin, often referred to as the ‘bonding hormone,’ which increases feelings of trust and emotional security. At the same time, oxytocin helps reduce cortisol, the hormone associated with stress, allowing the brain to focus and grow without being in a constant state of alert.
This safe, affectionate environment is what allows the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for problem-solving, memory, and focus, to flourish. When children feel secure, they are more willing to explore, take healthy risks, and persist through challenges. These are all critical behaviours that support intellectual growth and lifelong learning. Affection does not make children soft or complacent. Quite the opposite, it strengthens resilience, boosts confidence, and fuels curiosity.
Research has consistently shown that children raised with high levels of affection demonstrate stronger social-emotional skills, better attention spans, and greater academic readiness. They are more likely to develop empathy, cooperate with others, and handle frustrations constructively. All of this begins in the warmth of a parent’s arms. A smile of reassurance, a gentle back rub during reading, or a calm voice during a meltdown, these are the quiet acts that shape a child’s emotional and intellectual foundation.
Affection also teaches children how to love themselves. It provides a model for healthy human interaction, embedding in them a sense of worth that will support their learning for years to come. Far from spoiling a child, affection tells them that they are safe, valued, and capable. And a child who feels loved is a child whose mind is open to learning.