1. Infant attachment has evolved for 4 million years
From the moment of our birth it takes another 3 years to unfold

2. or to be shattered
3. There is evidence thatfrom the moment of our birth,
4. We are programmed to seek intimacy and closeness with ourparents
5. we seek it using a complex series of signals and behaviors
6. some of which are obvious.
7. and some more subtle
8. 9. 10. When we can be close to a parent who understands our signals,
11. and responds to us consistently and sensitively..
12. 13. Secure attachment provides our brains with a picture of a world
14. 15. 16. it provides our first foundationsfor independence,
17. an ability to form healthy relationships,
18. and a deep sense of belonging and acceptance
19. Researchers predict 50% of children experience difficulties in formingsecure attachments
20. these difficulties in infancy have a life long impact
21. When a parent is not able, willing, or available to understand our cues and signals
22. our brains become hard wired to reject and fear others, and treat ourselves poorly
23. Poor attachments have been linked to mental illness, depression, anti social behavior, violence, drug use , risk taking, and relationship difficulties
24. Loving adult-child Interactions are essential for secure attachment to occur
25. That includesfrequentnurturing responsive touch
26. Eye Contact
27. Laughing, interacting,and playing
28. Attachment has an intense impact on a childs growing brain
29. Research has shown it is so profound that the absence of it in the first years of life have more long-term damage than physical abuse
30. Preemies and sick babies have shown improvementsin self-regulation, depression,anxiety,sleeping, and crying
31. When they were simply cuddled and held
32. The first year is crucial to establishing attachments
33. Children who are deprived of attachments in the first 3 years of life suffer permanent damage and a lifetime of suffering and pain
34. Of course, it doesnt have to be this way
35. Loveis simply the language all children speak.
Lets learn it.