Why Bonding Health Thinks That We Can Save The World


Dr. Lara Honos-Webb

Dr. Lara Honos-Webb

Ph.D. and Clinical Psychologist

Jan 22, 2025

Why Bonding Health Thinks That We Can Save The World

The happiness of any society begins with the well-being of the families that live in it.

– Kofi Annan

The field of psychotherapy has long been rooted in Freudian psychology, which identified the mother as the primary driver of mental health and pathology. While this perspective was groundbreaking in its time, today we recognize that parenting as a whole—by both fathers and mothers—is at the core of mental and physical well-being (Elsayed W., 2024) As gender equality has evolved, so too has our understanding of the critical role that caregivers of all types play in shaping a child's future. 

At Bonding Health, we believe that empowering parents with the right tools for emotional regulation can create a ripple effect that not only improves family dynamics but also addresses larger societal issues. By equipping parents with accessible, science-backed support, we believe we have the power to change the trajectory of individuals, families, and communities—ultimately, we think we can save the world.

The Role of Parenting in Mental Health

Modern psychology has evolved far beyond its early focus on the mother as the central figure in a child’s development. Today, we understand that parenting in general—regardless of gender—lays the foundation for a child’s academic, social, emotional, and physical success. The way parents model emotional regulation, teach coping strategies, and respond to their child’s needs has profound effects on their child’s lifelong well-being.

One of the most powerful levers that parents have at their disposal is emotional regulation. Research consistently shows that emotional regulation is associated with:

  • Better academic performance (Graziano PA et al, 2007)

  • Stronger relationships (Zaki, J., and Williams, W. C., 2013)

  • Improved mental and physical health outcomes (Song Y, et al, 2015) (Gross, J. J., & Muñoz, R. F. 1995)

When children lack guidance in managing their emotions, they are more vulnerable to stress, anxiety, and difficulties in school and social settings. On the other hand, when parents have the skills and support to navigate these challenges, they can create a stable and nurturing environment that promotes resilience and confidence in their children.

The Lasting Effects of Trauma and Emotional Dysregulation

Without proper parental emotional regulation, children are at a greater risk of experiencing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), which can have a cascading impact on their lives. ACEs—such as abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction—are linked to a wide range of negative outcomes, including chronic health issues, substance abuse, and even early mortality. When children experience ongoing stress without the necessary emotional support, their ability to thrive in life becomes compromised.

Imagine a world where every parent had a tool in the palm of their hand that could provide guidance during difficult parenting moments. A tool that helps parents regulate their own emotions, respond thoughtfully to their child’s challenges, and ultimately reduce the likelihood of traumatic experiences. Bonding Health aims to be that tool, offering parents actionable strategies to manage their emotions and support their child’s development.

The Everyday Challenges Parents Face

Our lives today are busier than ever. Parents juggle careers, childcare, relationships, household responsibilities, and community involvement—all while trying to be present for their children. It’s no wonder that many parents feel overwhelmed and struggle to find the time or energy to focus on emotional well-being.

But what if parents didn’t have to navigate these challenges alone? What if they had a reliable resource available 24/7 to guide them through tough parenting situations and help them foster strong, healthy connections with their children?

Bonding Health provides an easy-to-use platform that offers support for:

  • Managing tantrums and emotional outbursts

  • Encouraging positive behaviors and emotions

  • Strengthening parent-child relationships through bonding exercises

  • Problem-solving support

By focusing on proactive emotional regulation rather than reactive discipline, parents can create an environment where their children feel heard, valued, and supported.

A Vision for the Future: Raising Problem-Solvers

In addition to preventing trauma and improving family dynamics, Bonding Health envisions a future where children can grow up to become forces of change in the world. With the right emotional foundation, children can better harness their strengths, talents, and interests to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing humanity today—whether it be climate change, food insecurity, or social inequality.

By equipping families with the tools they need to foster emotional intelligence, we believe we can cultivate a generation of compassionate, resilient individuals who are ready to make a difference. In other words, we’re not just helping families—we’re shaping the future.

Technology and Heart Intelligence: A Powerful Combination

In a world dominated by technological advancements, we recognize the importance of leveraging technology to enhance mental health solutions. We also believe that emotional intelligence—what we call "heart intelligence"—is even more crucial to the health of humanity.

The human connection remains at the heart of what truly heals and strengthens families. That’s why Bonding Health emphasizes the importance of emotional connection, bonding, and compassionate parenting practices in every aspect of our app.

The Science Behind Bonding Health: Stronger Social Connections, Stronger Health

Decades of research, including the renowned Harvard Study of Adult Development, have shown that strong social connections are the key to a long and fulfilling life. People who maintain close relationships with family, friends, and their community tend to experience better physical and mental health outcomes.

Bonding Health takes this research to heart, encouraging parents to foster meaningful connections with their children through daily bonding exercises and emotional check-ins. By strengthening these relationships, families not only improve their immediate well-being but also set the stage for long-term success and happiness.

How Bonding Health is Making a Difference

What sets Bonding Health apart is our belief in the power of relationships and emotional intelligence as the ultimate game-changer.

With our comprehensive approach to emotional regulation, we’re making it easier for parents to:

  • Model healthy coping mechanisms for their children

  • Build strong, trusting relationships

  • Create a positive home environment that supports growth and resilience

Join Us in Changing the World

Imagine a world where emotional well-being is prioritized in every household, where parents feel equipped to handle their own emotions and guide their children with patience and compassion to regulate their own emotions.

At Bonding Health, we believe that this vision is within reach—and we invite you to be a part of it. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or mental health professional, our tools and resources are designed to support you in fostering healthier, happier families.

So, let’s work together to create a future where emotional regulation is not just a skill, but a way of life. Because when families thrive, the world becomes a better place.

Bonding Health—building stronger families, one emotion at a time. Download our app now.

References:

Elsayed W. Building a better society: The Vital role of Family's social values in creating a culture of giving in young Children's minds. Heliyon. 2024 Apr 3;10(7):e29208. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29208. PMID: 38601607; PMCID: PMC11004650.

Song Y, Lu H, Hu S, Xu M, Li X, Liu J. Regulating emotion to improve physical health through the amygdala. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci. 2015 Apr;10(4):523-30. doi: 10.1093/scan/nsu083. Epub 2014 Jun 3. PMID: 24894766; PMCID: PMC4381236.

Gross, J. J., & Muñoz, R. F. (1995). Emotion regulation and mental health. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 2(2), 151–164.

Zaki, J., and Williams, W. C. (2013). Interpersonal emotion regulation. Emotion 13, 803–810. doi: 10.1037/a0033839

Graziano PA, Reavis RD, Keane SP, Calkins SD. The Role of Emotion Regulation and Children's Early Academic Success. J Sch Psychol. 2007 Feb 1;45(1):3-19. doi: 10.1016/j.jsp.2006.09.002. PMID: 21179384; PMCID: PMC3004175.

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