Bonding dot

Bonding Strategy

Fostering Emotional Connection Between Babies and Their Parents

Bonding gradient

Early relational health

noun

Strong, positive, nurturing relationships between babies and their parents.

Our Why

Our earliest relationships and the emotional connection we experience as babies with parents and caregivers are integral to developing our sense of self, as well as our ability to trust, empathize, and build mutually supportive, nurturing relationships throughout life.

Emotional Connection

Noun

An aspect of early relational health that describes the unique feeling of being in sync that arises when parents and children interact face-to-face, becoming deeply attuned to each other. Emotional connection can also be experienced by any two individuals who are in sync.

Our How

Pediatric health care offers a universal, non-stigmatizing touchpoint and an opportunity to bring the power of early relational health to nearly every family in the U.S. We work to raise awareness and embed emotional connection in pediatric care, making it a cornerstone of healthy child development.

Explore Our Bonding Work

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Launches David M. Einhorn Institute for Early Relational Health

The institute will pioneer a first-of-its-kind initiative to transform pediatric care and advance the science of human connection
childrens hospital of philadelphia

A Message From Our Founder and Trustee: Announcing the David M. Einhorn Institute for Early Relational Health at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Future in which emotional connection between parents and children is treated as foundational to a more connected and cohesive society.

Hope as a Framework to Promote Early Relational Health

The Early Relational Health Funders Community gathered for its annual summit in March to identify opportunities for collaboration.
No one talks parenting 800x534

No One Talks About This Part: New Parenthood and the Search for Connection

Many parents feel isolated in their journey. Nearly four in five crave meaningful connections with other parents beyond daily routines.

Five Ways Parents Can Help Teens Connect Across Differences

Five families model listening and empathy to help teens bridge divides.

Five Ways Parents Can Help Teens Connect Across Differences

Five families model listening and empathy to help teens bridge divides.

The Smeds and The Smoos: A Staff Favorite.

Julia Donaldson's cosmic love story of two feuding alien clans, the Smeds and the Smoos.
Load More

Join our partner networks and collaboratives

childrens hospital of philadelphia

David M. Einhorn Institute for Early Relational Health

Preeminent research institution at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, advancing the science of human connection, supporting healthy early relationships, and transforming pediatric practice to drive toward a more socially connected society.

Early Relational Health Funders Community

Space for local and national funders to build relationships, collaborate, and exchange ideas – online and in-person – to foster positive development and advance outcomes for children and their families.

Our Grantmaking Strategies