Concept and Nature of Attachment - Formation of Attachment

Attachment means a strong emotional bond between a child and someone caring, usually the mother. This bond gives the child safety, happiness, and comfort.

• Babies cry when they are hungry, in pain, cold, hurt, or sick.
• The mother comes when the baby cries, feeds when the baby is hungry, and changes the diaper when the baby is wet or dirty.
• These actions by the mother make the baby feel happy and relaxed.

• At first, the mother is just another person to the child.
• Over time, the child learns that the mother brings comfort whenever there is a problem.
• The mother becomes special because the child connects her with feeling good and safe.
• This bond grows as the child keeps getting help from the mother.

• The child may start to trust and seek comfort from other people who seem like the mother.
• If the first experiences with the mother are good, attachment gets stronger and extends to others.

• If the mother is rough, scolds, teases, or causes pain, her actions make the child feel bad.
• If this happens often, the child feels anxious or unhappy even when seeing the mother.
• The child may start avoiding the mother and not look for her when upset.

• Avoiding the mother can lead the child to avoid other people, too.
• The child might prefer being alone, feel shy, or use imagination and daydreams for comfort.
• There may be personality problems, such as a love of loneliness or being less social.

• Parents, especially mothers, should be gentle and careful with their children.
• Good child care helps children build strong, healthy attachments.

• Babies become attached to those who give comfort and care.
• Positive care grows attachment. Negative experiences grow detachment.
• Parents should always be loving to help their child develop healthy relationships.