Attachment theories have are based on observational studies that examine the lifelong bonds that develop between children and their parents. The theory takes parents as the attachment figure, and considers the relationships that children develop during their childhood. In addition, the theory also focuses on the mental and emotional impact these particular relationships have on children once they grow up. Secure attachment on the other hand, develops when a parent or adult is sensitive towards a children's requirements, understanding fully what the child wants to communicate, and meets these requirements in an effective manner. Needless to say, the importance of secure attachment in society is very high indeed, as it has a direct impact on a child's growth. Therefore, society should try as hard as possible to increase the chances of secure attachment.
Secure attachment begins, firstly, from the child's parents. There are numerous ways through which parents can help their children develop a better sense of attachment. Chief amongst these understanding a child's unique cues. Each child has a different way of behaving than the other, and it is important for parents to understand that. Secondly, parents should try and interact with their children as much as possible. This is a great method of showcasing love for children, as measures such as massaging a child can have a positive impact on its development (Carpenter, 2009). However, in a lot of cases, especially in the hectic lifestyles that most people have today, not many parents get enough time to spend time with their children. However, this should not mean that a child should be left on his/her own. Day care centers have developed massively from what they used to be once, with children being provided with an environment that suits their mental and emotional needs perfectly. Therefore, for parents that cannot spend enough time with their children, finding a good quality day care center is certainly an excellent option. In fact, it is not uncommon in modern societies to find many parents leaving their children at day care centers while they go about their daily routines.
However, there is a completely different school of thought that believes that there is simply no better party to take care of a child then its parents. Therefore, it is argued that parents be allowed lengthy maternity and paternity leaves so that they get enough time to spend with their children, especially in the early days when the child is still very young and in need of attention the most. Certainly, this particular school of thought has a lot going for it, as children who spend time in foster homes and orphanages are often faced with many issues. Perhaps the greatest of these issues is the failure to attach. Children who grow up in foster homes cannot quite develop a sense of attachment with their foster parents or caregivers. There is no primary caregiver, and the child, faced with unfamiliar surroundings, loses its ability to trust people. The child becomes rigid, often forgetting normal behavior such as crying, and develops very few, if any, language skills (Carpenter, 2009).
In the end, there is no denying that secure attachment is necessary for a child's growth. Therefore, there is a need to find a way so that the child gets the best of both worlds, without having to feel left out or unneeded. For instance, in the early days of a child's life, a lengthy maternity and paternity leave should be given so its parents get enough time to spend with it. As time goes on though, the child can perhaps be put in a quality day care center that provides ample learning and developing opportunities for the child.
References
Carpenter, S. (2009). Visualizing psychology (2nd ed.). Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley ;.
