Parenting: Attachment theory

John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth developed attachment parenting theory. This idea focuses on the bond between parents and children (particularly during infancy), as well as the importance of children remaining close to their caregiver in order to shield them from the outer world.

Attachment theory
Attachment theory

Different forms of attachments in the Attachment Parenting theory:

1. A secure attachment occurs when a kid feels safe exploring their world without their caregiver present, but relies on them for comfort and security if they become afraid.

2. When a youngster has an insecure attachment, they are cautious to explore their world on their own and refuse to accept comfort from their parents.

Adolescent attachment theory

Attachment theory research has primarily focused on infancy and early childhood. Studies indicate that the secure or insecure attachment influence the relationship between teenagers and their parents. The interactions that a parent has with their kid throughout infancy form an internal working model of attachment. There is the creation of expectations that a child has for future relationships and interactions based on their interactions with their caregiver during infancy. If an adolescent maintains a healthy attachment with their caregiver, they are more likely to discuss their difficulties and worries with them, to have stronger interpersonal relationships with friends and significant others, and to have higher self-esteem.

Through adolescence, parents can maintain a stable attachment by demonstrating understanding, using strong communication skills, and enabling their children to safely begin doing things on their own.

Other approaches to parenting:

Attachment parenting

Psychological attachment theory is used to frame a parenting style. In psychology, attachment is a long-term emotional tie between two people. Secure, unsecure, resistant, and disorganised attachment are the four main types.

Child-centered parenting

Blythe and David Daniel propose a parenting style that focuses on each child’s true needs and distinctive personhood. Child-centered parenting is difficult to master and has a high likelihood of failing, leading in narcissistic children, according to research.

Positive parenting

Persistent support and direction across developmental stages characterises a parenting style and overlaps with authoritative parenting.

Concerted cultivation is a type of positive parenting in which parents try to develop their children’s skills through planned extracurricular activities such as music instruction, sports, and academic enrichment.

Parenting that is narcissistic

A parent who suffers from narcissism or narcissistic personality disorder is a narcissistic parent. Parents that are typically narcissistic are solely and possessively close to their children. They may be jealous of and intimidated by their child’s growing independence. The result is a pattern of narcissistic attachment, in which the child is seen as existing primarily for the advantage of the parent.

Nurturant parenting

Respondent and compassionate parents are traits of nurturing parents. It’s a family paradigm in which kids are encouraged to explore their surroundings while being protected by their parents. This type of parenting is encouraging and aids in the development of a child and their temperaments. The self-image, social skills, and academic performance of a child will improve, affecting how they grow up to be mature, happy, and well-balanced individuals.

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