How important is attachment?

I am back this week with even more motivation and passion behind my project. Let me tell you why…

My son started grade one this week and I have to say, after having him home for over 7 months (thank you Covid) I actually miss seeing his sweet face throughout my day! By the time he comes home, he is exhausted. Like “will cry at the drop of a hat” kind of exhausted. Having said that, it is even harder to find that intentional time (that I had talked about last week) with him, but since evenings are the only time we spend together now, it is even more critical that we invest and find the time, and here's why…

This week I furthered my research by focusing on attachment and the importance of building a “secure attachment” with our children. Throughout my reading, I found that children with secure attachments to their caregivers are better able to handle their emotions and behaviours by the age of 6. Children with secure attachment relationships “are more compliant, responsive, cooperative, self-reliant and empathic than those who were in insecure attachment relationships in infancy.” (Sickkids, 2010). And let's be honest, as parents, we want our kids to listen to us and be respectful human beings that are kind to others...the interesting part about it, is that it’s up to us to put in the work. 

At first, I thought (and I feel like many others might think the same way) that adoptive families are the only ones having to do this intentional work to build attachments and bonds with their children, and that people with biological kids are born with that bond and naturally attached to their parents, but a study done in the U.S that looked at 14,000 children, concluded that 40% of children lack strong emotional bonds or attachments to their parents or caregivers, (Huber, 2014). At first, this really surprised me, but as I thought harder about my own attachment and relationship with my parents, it was clear that I was a part of that 40% who lacked a deep connection and bond with them.

So, with all of this information, I have come up with a plan and a product that will help guide the intentional time and conversation with my son with the hope that we will continue to connect, grow and further bond as he grows into a secure, confident and independent young man.

This week I will actually create my Genius Hour product and try it out! I have some obstacles to overcome in order to figure out the technological parts of the actual creation but I am excited and motivated to move forward. Until next week... :)