Most of us know that attachment is an essential part of healthy development, but we may not know exactly why it is so important or understand how styles are formed. Attachment affects brain development by increasing feelings of safety and comfort, allowing the brain to use its energy to develop pathways crucial for higher-level thinking. Parenting a child with an insecure attachment or disorder can be difficult, but Family Connections Therapy is here to help you and your child.
Attachment Styles
Secure attachment is mainly related to the development of the frontal cortex, which is responsible for decision-making, judgment, and reasoning and leads to the development of empathy. If a child sees themselves as worthwhile and deserving of care, they can see others that way. A child can only attend to others’ needs if they believe their own basic needs will be met. Conversely, if a child has experienced trauma, they may have a wide range of problems related to a lack of secure attachment. This can include:
developmental delays- difficulty with emotional regulation
- impaired social relationships
- low self-esteem
- aggression
- depression
- bullying or hurting others
- low impulse control
- Appearing withdrawn
Parenting a Child with Attachment Issues
1. Be patient with yourself and your child.
Parenting a child with insecure attachment or an attachment disorder can be exhausting, frustrating, and emotionally trying. You may feel like your efforts aren’t worth it and that you cannot make a difference. Attachment disorders are not repaired overnight. So stick with it and make sure to also manage your stress levels in order to help your child manage theirs.
2. Stay focused on the goal.
The key is to remain calm yet firm as you interact with your child. This will teach your child that they are safe and can trust you. Once again this will take time but if you stay focused on the goal you will get there.
3. Seek help from a Children’s Therapist.
Children’s therapists can help you and your child repair their attachment style. Children’s therapists can teach coping skills and parenting techniques, and help to foster safety and trust in the relationship.
Our Therapists in San Diego are Here To Help With Attachment Issues
If you or your child is in need of support, Family Connections Therapy is here for you! Through children’s therapy, we can help you and your child develop the skills necessary to flourish and grow healthy relationships. To learn how to start repairing attachment issues follow these steps:
- Call our office today at (858) 776-8804
- Book an appointment online with a child therapist
- Get support as a parent of a child with attachment issues
Other Services We Offer in San Diego
We offer lots of options to support both you and your child. Our children’s therapists also offer therapy for ADHD and play therapy. For adults, we offer individual therapy, depression treatment, and anxiety treatment. And to help support loved ones in rebuilding connections we offer family therapy. All of these services are also offered virtually to California residents through online therapy.
