Attachment between a parent and child is a complex process, likely to be influenced by a variety of factors.
- The attachment process between a parent and their child does not always go smoothly because many factors can complicate it, or even hinder it.
- Premature baby in an incubator, emotional or physical unavailability of parents, traumatic family history… It is important to recognize the obstacles to find solutions.
- Indeed, in certain cases, these difficulties can lead to a form of neglect, even involuntary, which can affect the development of attachment.
Attachment is a special bond that unites a child to his parents. It is fundamental for the emotional and psychological development of the child. However, this attachment process does not always take place without difficulty because many factors can complicate it, or even hinder it.
Attachment in the hospital context
If the birth of a child is a moment of joy, it also has its share of challenges, especially when the child is born prematurely or with health problems. A prolonged hospital stay can leave parents feeling overwhelmed and helpless, faced with the barrier of the incubator.
Talking, singing lullabies, practicing skin-to-skin contact, are all simple but powerful gestures that allow you to gradually build a solid attachment, despite the circumstances.
When parental availability is not always there
Attachment can also be hampered by obstacles related to the emotional or physical unavailability of parents. Whether it is depression of one of the parents, bereavement, drug addiction, insecurity, social isolation or even violence and conflicts within the couple, all these factors are likely to affect a parent’s ability to meet their child’s needs.
The role of family history
The personal history of each parent, and in particular their own childhood, also plays a role in the ease with which they can establish, or not, an attachment bond with their children. Parents who have suffered from neglect themselves may have difficulty understanding their baby’s signals and responding appropriately.
In some cases, these difficulties can lead to a form of neglect, even unintentional, which can affect the development of attachment.
Recognize these obstacles to find solutions
Whether external conditions, mental health issues, socio-economic difficulties or family history, these obstacles are not insurmountable. Recognizing them is taking the first step towards finding suitable solutions to strengthen the parent-child bond.
Learn more: “Developing the parent-child bond through play: Attachment play to create harmony, manage conflict and resolve…” by Aletha Solter.
