Topics

Free Emotional Intelligence Course

Helpguide / Harvard Collaboration

Learn More

www.Helpguide.org

Reprinted with permission for personal or non-profit use. Visit www.helpguide.org to see the article with links to related articles.  © Helpguide.org. All rights reserved.

This material is for information and support; not a substitute for professional advice.

Infant Mental Health


Understanding Bipolar Disorder

Attachment is the deep and lasting connection established between a child and caregiver in the first few years of life. It profoundly affects your child’s development and his or her ability to express emotions and develop relationships. A secure attachment bond sets the stage for emotional health throughout life, while an insecure attachment bond can lead to a lack of trust and self-worth, a fear of getting close to anyone, and anger and control issues.

As a parent, you naturally want the best for your child. But when it comes to promoting secure attachment, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach. Part of being a good parent is being flexible and creative, and learning to understand your child’s unique cues. But some things are universal. All children need affection, encouragement, consistency, and limits. These are the basic building blocks that promote bonding and allow you to tackle any parenting challenges you face.

Bonding with Your Baby

Bonding vs the Attachment Bond – The attachment bond, so key to your child’s development, is unrelated to the love and quality of care you give your infant.

Bonding with Your Baby

Building a Secure Attachment Bond With Your Baby – Tips for new parents on how to promote a secure attachment bond with your newborn.

Creating Secure Attachment

(video) Creating Secure Attachment – A special video for parents on how to help your child get the best possible start in life.

When Baby Won't Stop Crying

When Baby Won't Stop Crying – Discover time-tested strategies for comforting and soothing an upset or colicky baby.

Separation Anxiety in Children

Separation Anxiety in Children – Learn how to make the separation process easier and identify and deal with separation anxiety disorder.

Attachment & Reactive Attachment Disorders

Attachment & Reactive Attachment Disorders – Explore the warning signs of attachment disorders and learn what you can do to help a child overcome attachment problems.

Bring Your Life Into Balance

Bonding and secure attachment are rooted and flourish in the safety of an environment shaped by parents who have the skills to remain both calm and focused much of the time. Not all loving parents have these skills, but they can be learned. Helpguide’s Bring Your Life Into Balance Toolkit teaches parents the skills they need to create secure relationships with their infants and children.



©Helpguide.org. All rights reserved. This reprint is for information only and NOT a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Visit WWW.HELPGUIDE.ORG for more information and related articles.

Helpguide.org