[RUG3Y]

Neither my wife's parents nor mine are involved in our lives, and I can say it makes a huge difference - our friends whose parents are involved with the grandchildren have it much easier. Being an island is very, very difficult.

[monk_e_boy]

The "Monkey Love Experiments" show that social contact (and love) is more important to monkeys than food. We're not so different. Having your parents help out with the kids is amazing.

Humans were never designed to live in isolation. That is why solitary confinement is a punishment. Being removed from family, lacking access to basic psychological needs (belongingness and love) causes depression and sometimes suicide.

A healthy family unit can provide for our needs of connection, esteem and security.

http://pages.uoregon.edu/adoption/studies/HarlowMLE.htm