3. Mutuality

Mutuality in the parent-child relationship is characterized by enjoyable back-and-forth moments where there is cooperation and responsiveness in both directions. Mutuality, by definition, requires both the parent and child to be active participants in the interaction and for both to be responsive to what each other is communicating. Infant brain development is literally co-constructed by these back-and forth exchanges, also known as “serve and return” interactions. Mutuality also serves to buffer both parent and child neurobiologically from stressors and adversity.

The following videos demonstrate mutuality in the relationship.