Attachment is the deep and enduring biological, emotional, and social connection caregivers and children establish early in life. The attachment relationship is the core of a child’s world and the foundation on which life is built. Attachment security is the most powerful predictor of life success.
The creation of attachment in parenting occurs as a combination of both nature (biology) and nurture (experience). We are hardwired to connect. Babies are instinctively motivated to seek closeness and communication with their parents. Parents instinctively love, nurture, and protect their young, and promote secure attachment via smiles, eye contact, positive feelings, loving touch, gentle soothing, and other forms of need-fulfillment. Attachment is mutual, a deep sense of security that children and parents create together in their ongoing reciprocal interactions.
Children learn to trust dependable caregivers who provide the right balance of love, limits, protection, and guidance.
Dr . Terry Levy and Mr. Michael Orlans co-wrote this article. They are the co-authors of two books and co-lead seminars on attachment and trauma. They welcome hearing your questions about attachment in parenting.
