Attachment: What it means

Attachment is the deep and lasting connection that children form with the people they depend on for care and protection. It is different from the “caregiver bond” parents feel for their children. Attachment is about the child needing care and protection from the parent whereas the caregiving bond is about the parent providing care and protection to the child.

The process of attachment begins at birth. By six month, children have begun to form expectations of how their parent will respond to them when they are distressed. Typically, by the end of their first year children have a clear attachment to one or more of the people who provide regular care. Secure attachment can happen when a child is able to rely on the parent for comfort and protection. Parents of children with secure attachment respond sensitively and consistently to the child's needs and have an easy, relaxed and intimate pattern of caregiving. Secure children trust that their parent will be there for them when needed, feel confident to explore and play , seek comfort if distressed and are easily comforted by their parent. Insecure attachment can happen when a child cannot rely on the parent to meet his needs. Parents of children with insecure attachment ignore, reject or respond inconsistently to a child's need to feel safe, cared for and protected. Insecure children are anxious about whether their parent will be available to provide care and protection when needed and learn ways of behaving that keep their parents close and available in case of real danger, but may not serve them well in other relationships. Insecure-disorganized attachment can happen when parents regularly behave in ways that frighten or confuse their child. Insecure-disorganized children are unable to use their parent as a source of comfort and are therefore unable to develop an organized, effective response to distress.

Insecure attachment starts children along a path that could lead to future problems. They are at risk of developing behaviour problems including poor social skills, low self-esteem, anxiety, impulsive behavior, angry and aggressive behaviour, withdrawing and giving up easily.

Early attachment relationships provide a model for future relationships and influence what a child will expect from others and how he will behave in relationships of trust throughout the rest of his life.
The Canadian Institute of Child Health has produced booklets and a video titled The First Years Last Forever. To view this resource, which includes information on attachment, go to www.cich.ca

The vision of the Prince Albert Early Childhood Council is that all children in Prince Albert and area enjoy a good start in life. Family Futures Inc. is a founding member of the Council and works to promote healthy pregnancies through their Pregnancy Outreach Support Program and In Hospital Support Program and healthy child development through their network of licensed Child Care Centres and other programs. For more information on the Early Childhood Council or on Family Futures contact Donna at 763-0760.

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