It’s worth repeating that this sense of security provided by the relationship, this secure base, is what makes it safe for the child to explore the world. When we have a safe place to come back to, we can leave, just as when we are securely held, we don’t need to cling. Research shows that secure babies explore when they feel safe and seek connecti

Children become attached to whoever functions as their primary caregiver. But the nature of that attachment—whether it is secure or insecure—makes a huge difference over the course of a child’s life. Secure attachment develops when caregiving includes emotional attunement. Attunement starts at the most subtle physical levels of interaction between

American psychologist Mary Ainsworth, demonstrates that secure attachment contributes to long-term success in health, relationships, and careers. It’s a greater predictor of success than conventional measures such as IQ. And of course, insecure attachment goes the other way. None of this should come as a surprise. For children, the primary relation