
Attachment
What is Attachment?
Attachment is the trust, security, and affection a child feels for an adult who is responsible for their well-being.
Adults provide positive attachment for their child when:
- The adult can effectively read the signal coming from the child and responds in a timely and caring way when the child is hungry, tired, or uncomfortable in any way.
- The adult provides positive emotional support when a child feels scared, mad, or sad.
- The adult provides positive reciprocal social interactions.
- The adult allows the child to explore within safe boundaries.
Why is Attachment important?
Attachment can have significant short and long term effects on development.
Children who have a positive attachment feel safe, comfortable, and loved. They feel connected and safe in interacting with others. This provides a stable healthy foundation as their social world grows and more people become a part of their life.
Ways to promote a positive attachment:
- Connect with your inner child…when you have fun with your child, your child has fun!
- Sing songs and dance with your child.
- Establish predictable routines for your child.
- Validate emotions and help them work through negative emotions.
- Snuggle up to a sweet nightly bedtime story together.
Hugs,
Rhonda