Washington, Feb 18 : Toddlers who are strongly attached to their mothers are more likely to form closer friendships in the early grade-school years, according to a new study.
According to Nancy McElwain, a University of Illinois assistant professor of human and community development and lead author of the study, mother-child relationships may be important in guiding children''s outlook towards other close relationships.
"In a secure, emotionally open mother-child relationship, children develop a more positive, less biased understanding of others, which then promotes more positive friendships during the early school years," said McElwain.