In the fast-moving world in which we live, a child's early years tend to whizz by, often seeming as if days were months. Parents juggle professional life with their domestic responsibilities, social commitments, and time to be spent with the children. Often in this process, the emotional bonding between a parent and a child gets forgotten. But this bonding, more correctly, attachment, is very essential for the developing child. Attachment forms the root of the child's emotional security and later affects their behavior, relationships, and well-being throughout life. Let us get into details concerning how attachment can impact a child's growth and development.
The attachment between a child and his primary caregiver, mostly a parent, is an emotional bond that forms in the best interest of the child's survival and good health. A secure attachment provides the child with a sense of safety and security and allows him or her to explore the world and develop independence. Infants who have secure attachments tend to be more socially competent, have higher self-esteem, and are more resilient to stress and adversity in life than those who do not. Such insecure attachment has been related to a number of emotional and behavioral problems, which may interfere with a child's later ability both to relate to others and to cope with adversity.
A securely attached child believes that his or her caregivers will satisfy his or her needs. The child comfortably explores the environment and goes back to the caregiver for comfort in times of distress. The secure attachment style has positive implications for the social and emotional development of children.
Children with an avoidant attachment often appear independent and self-sufficient. If they are upset or distressed, they will not seek their caregivers' comfort. They might even avoid them. This happens in cases where the parents are emotionally absent or dismissive of their child's needs.
Children with an ambivalent attachment are clingy and dependent. These children are overly anxious and unsure about the accessibility and response in their caregiver. This may be due to the inconsistency in caregiving, sometimes a child may get attention and sometimes no attention at all.
Children who have a disorganized attachment are those that do not exhibit clear attachment behavior. They appear confused, frightened, or both at the presence of their attachment figure. In many cases, such attachment has been associated with trauma and abuse which as a result, it presents severe emotional and behavioral problems.
Foster secures attachment by providing a safe, nurturing, responsive environment for your child. Here are some strategies to help build a secure attachment:
Respond quickly and predictably to your child's needs. This helps a child feel safe and important—that they can count on you to provide comfort and support.
Spend quality time with your child where he/she enjoys. Take time to play, read, and talk about interesting things in his world. Positive interactions strengthen your relationship and promote feelings of security.
Ensure your child is safe physically and emotionally. A stable environment where predictable routines are followed with boundaries provides security for the child and makes him/her know what to expect.
Show affection with hugs, kisses, and soothing words. Physical touch and warm interaction instill feelings of safety and belonging.
Be available and attuned to the emotional needs of your child. Validate his feelings; soothe and calm him in times of distress.
Attachment plays a significant role in many aspects of child development, such as:
The security of attachment enhances regulation of emotion and resilience. They learn to regulate feelings by providing adequate expression to feelings and develop a positive sense of self. Better coping abilities deal with the stressful moments that sail effectively through the complexities in their emotional world.
Children who have secure attachments tend to display very good social skills with others. Empathy is more developed, they are more cooperative, and thus can establish much healthier relationships. Attachment security models for them what positive relations are and teaches them how to establish trust and maintain friendship.
Cognitive development is fostered by a secure attachment foundation. Children feel free and safe to explore, learn, and develop curiosity, problem-solving skills, and intellectual growth. They are most likely going to engage themselves in activities that challenge their thinking or imagination.
In securely attached children, by far, it can be said that insecurely attached children are better adjusted with fewer behavioral problems and much easier to regulate. They show respect for boundaries and therefore could be amenable to being easily bound by rules and regulations. Thereby, this secure attachment will have a less anxious child, hence exhibiting good behavior.
Effects of attachment stretching into adult years: Those people who are securely attached sustain a better relationship, good mental health, and a heightened sense of well-being. Their attachment foundation lays the basis for their ability to handle life challenges and to develop a positive outlook.