Understanding Attachment

Attachment is defined as an inherent emotional and regulatory system that develops between caregivers and children. It operates fundamentally like breathing, happening naturally as caregivers respond to their child's needs, regardless of specific parenting techniques like baby-wearing or breastfeeding. The misconceptions surrounding attachment often lead to damaging guilt among parents; the reality is that secure attachment stems from what one feels rather than external actions taken. Ultimately, the essence of secure attachment lies in the caregiver’s ability to be attuned to their own feelings, enabling them to create a safe space for their child’s emotional expression.