Q: Why are secure attachments important?
Secure attachments provide a safe base for a child, reducing fearfulness and stress while building confidence and self-esteem. As Maria Robinson writes in From Birth to One - The year of opportunity: 'The child who is loved, encouraged, respected and comforted is able to learn about the world in a context of emotional safety, and about themselves as fundamentally loveable' (p41).
This is what we want for all children, but a child who does not experience these things, who doesn't feel 'safe' or 'loveable', is likely to demonstrate this in challenging behaviours and probably will not only find making relationships difficult, but is likely to be too stressed to be able to learn.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here
