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Parent-Child Secure Attachment

The number one need for children in their relationship with parents is a secure attachment—feeling safe, nurtured, and cared for.

Young child and adult sit on couch talking

Holly Gaspar, MEd, MPH, Community Health Improvement

  • Secure attachment fosters resilience, social skills, emotional regulation, and self-confidence, benefits that last into adulthood.
  • Tips for building attachment:
    • Be emotionally available: listen without judgment, provide a nurturing environment, and normalize emotions by sharing your own.
    • Repair ruptures quickly: mistakes happen; acknowledging and addressing them strengthens trust and security.
    • Be consistent: routines and reliability help children feel stable and develop responsibility for later life.
    • Prioritize your own well-being: healthy sleep, nutrition, exercise, and hobbies not only help parents but also model good habits for children.
  • Consistency and modeling self-care establish structure for both parent and child, strengthening attachment and promoting long-term well-being.

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