#026 Attachment

The Early Roots Podcast

Todays episode is all about attachment and its profound impact on human development. We are looking at how early relationships shape our understanding of the world and future relationships. We are covering some of the work of John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth specifically their contributions to attachment theory. This theory posits that secure bonds formed with caregivers in infancy lay the groundwork for emotional resilience and social competence throughout life. Attachment and social relationships are as foundational as movement for brain development.

This episode covers the four primary attachment styles—secure, anxious-preoccupied, dismissive-avoidant, and fearful-avoidant—and discusses their implications for both children and adults. We look at how to foster secure attachments in both infants and older children. Looking at practical ways to foster the four factors that influence attachment style: responsiveness, consistency/predictability, sensitive communication, and emotional availability.

Building secure attachments is easiest in infancy but not always an option. Many older children who come through my doors struggle with their attachments. It can be tricky to develop these things in older children because we can’t use the same strategies. The things young babies need (like hyperresponsiveness) are not the same thing older children need. In fact, certain responses can actually increase anxiety and fear in older children.

In this episode we look at the overall goal of attachment so we can adapt these principles to help children at different ages and developmental stages. Attachments are not permanent and can change and develop later in life. Sometimes it requires work and help, but there is hope!
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