A study of 125 couples with children aged 7-8 years, looked at the way couples are attached toward each other, the parenting styles they use with their children, and their ‘caregiving responsiveness.’ Caregiving responsiveness is the “capacity to be ‘tuned in’ to what the other person needs,” says Abigail Millings, author of the study published in the ‘Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin.’ Being aware when our partner has a bad day, and knowing how to help then feel better, is part of caregiving responsiveness, and these same skills underlie successful caregiving in other relationships as well. Young, middle aged or old, we have common needs for support and love, and want our partner or parent to respond and meet our needs.
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