Abstract
Children are very important for the future of any society. Their
importance emphasizes the need for their optimal development and care.
Various factors contribute to their development, including, among others,
appropriate parent-child bond. This bonding is especially crucial in the
formative years. This paper examines conditions which enhance parent-
child bonds for children aged 1-6 years and factors which militate against
this bonding, including parental behaviours, neglect and abuse, cultural
issues and others. It also reviews some ways of enhancing the bonding.