Child 8. Love
Dec 31, 2025
Ruth Feldman, a developmental social neuroscientist who studies parent–infant bonding and oxytocin, joins to explore love’s biology. She reveals rhythmic parent‑child synchrony and oxytocin’s role in bonding and group behavior. They discuss cultural pressure around unconditional love, ambivalence in parenting, and how synchrony can be repaired later in life.
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Newborn Walk That Changed Perception
- Ruth Feldman describes walking in a park with her newborn strapped to her chest and seeing the world anew.
- She felt a transcendent bond as something carried inside became outside and utterly captivating.
Synchrony Binds Biology And Behavior
- Ruth Feldman introduces bio-behavioral synchrony where biology and behavior coordinate across people.
- Synchrony links hormones, brain activity, movement and communication during parent–infant interactions.
Oxytocin As A Rhythmic Binder
- Small parent–child interactions produce synchronized brain activity, hormonal release and heartbeats.
- Oxytocin functions as a rhythmic binder driving this coordinated biological dance.
