Secure attachment is like the emotional foundation of a child's life. It develops through consistent, responsive care from caregivers. When children feel safe, loved, and their needs are met, they build a strong internal compass. This allows them to explore the world confidently, knowing they have a secure base to return to. Secure attachment is linked to better social skills, emotional well-being, and resilience throughout life.

As parents and caregivers we are concerned about our children having healthy and secure attachment. But with busy work schedules how do we develop healthy attachment? 

1. Responsiveness: 
   *Be the "safe haven": Respond promptly and warmly to your child's cries, needs, and requests for attention. This teaches them that you're reliable and trustworthy.
   *Decode their cues: Pay attention to both verbal and nonverbal communication. A tantrum might mean they're tired, while furrowed brows could indicate confusion. Learn what your child’s non-verbal cues mean and respond to them. 
2. Quality Time:
   *Make time for connection: As parents we need to give our children all of our attention at least some of the time. Set aside dedicated, distraction-free moments each day to connect with your child. This can be through reading a book together, playing a game, or simply chatting.
   *Be present: From toddlerhood on, interactions with our children have a tendency to revolve around direction, teaching or changing behaviour in some way.  Though we do have a responsibility for our children’s safety and well-being, simply being together and enjoying one’s child may fall by the wayside. Put away your phone and focus on interacting with your child. Show genuine interest and delight in their world and activities.
3. Positive Touch:
   *Nurture with affection: Physical touch is essential. Hugs, cuddles, and gentle kisses create a sense of security and comfort. The younger the children are, the more physical touch they need. 
   *Respect boundaries: As children grow older, be mindful of their comfort level with physical touch. Do not push the child to enjoy physical touch they are not comfortable with even when they are toddlers. 
4. Warm Communication:
   *Speak their language: Talk to your child in a loving and gentle voice. Use simple language at first and gradually increase complexity as they grow. 
   *Emotional Validation : Children are learning to understand and regulate their emotions.  Parents play the role of a safe haven in this: noticing how their child is feeling, helping to name those emotions and providing the message that all emotions are natural and serve a purpose. 
   *Active listening: Pay attention to what they're saying, both verbally and nonverbally. Ask questions, summarize their thoughts, and show them you're listening. 
5. Set Boundaries and Disciplining with Love:
   *Provide structure and consistency: Disciplining is important and it helps the child learn appropriate behaviour and important life skills. Attachment does not mean absence of discipline. Establish clear and consistent expectations for behaviour. This helps children feel safe and secure knowing what to expect. The boundaries necessarily need to be tighter when they are young. Teenagers will need boundaries but they need to be wider. 
   *Be firm but fair: Enforce rules with love and understanding. Explain the reasons behind the rules and offer guidance on how to follow them. Age-appropriate consequences for breaking rules will teach them the importance of boundaries. 
6. Patience and Consistency:
   *Building attachment is a journey: Remember, it takes time and consistent effort. Be patient with yourself and your child. Every positive interaction strengthens your bond.
   *Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge and appreciate even small moments of connection. This reinforces positive behaviours and strengthens the attachment.

Parents, especially parents might have be busy a lot of the time. However know that though we say time with your children is important, we are not saying that should be your only focus. Like we mentioned before, children need all of your attention, at least some of the time. As children feel more secure, they will be less needy. 

By incorporating these strategies into your daily interactions, you can build a strong and secure attachment with your child, setting them up for a lifetime of healthy and happy relationships. Remember that it is never too late to start building healthy attachment. There could have been unhealthy patterns of behaviour but building attachment is constant work. Start creating healthy patterns of behaviour.