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Home > Preventing Child Abuse & Neglect > Strengthening Families > Enhancing Protective Factors > Nurturing and Attachment
Nurturing and Attachment
A child's early experience of being nurtured and developing a bond with a caring adult affects all aspects of behavior and development. When parents and children have strong, warm feelings for one another, children develop trust that their parents will provide what they need to thrive, including love, acceptance, positive guidance, and protection.
Research shows that babies who receive affection and nurturing from their parents have the best chance of healthy development. A child's relationship with a consistent, caring adult in the early years is associated later in life with better academic grades, healthier behaviors, more positive peer interactions, and an increased ability to cope with stress.
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From Neurons to Neighborhoods: The Science of Early Child Development
National Research Council and Institute of Medicine (2000)
Reviews scientific research to identify generally accepted conclusions about the roles of nature and nurture during the first 5 years of life. Includes recommendations for policy, service delivery, and public awareness.
Attachment Parenting International (API)
The mission of API is to promote parenting practices that create strong, healthy emotional bonds between children and their parents through education, support, advocacy, and research.
Why Love Matters: How Affection Shapes a Baby's Brain
Gerhardt (2004)
View Abstract
Explains why love is essential to brain development in the early years of life, particularly to the development of the social and emotional brain systems. Discusses how the earliest relationship shapes the baby's nervous system, with lasting consequences, and how adult life is influenced by infancy.
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Challenging Behavior in Young Children: Understanding, Preventing, and Responding Effectively
Kaiser & Rasminsky (2006, 2nd ed.)
View Abstract
This book presents information and strategies to assist teachers dealing with behavior problems in young children. Chapters 4 and 5 examine how brain development and function affect behavior, as well as the impact of relationships and attachments.
Children 0 to 3 Years of Age
Scannapieco & Connell
APSAC Advisor, 13, 2001
View Abstract
Presents a comprehensive assessment framework for detecting attachment problems that place children at risk for death and lifelong problems with interpersonal relationships.
Development in the First Years of Life
Thompson (2001)
An overview of the dramatic physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development that takes place during the first 3 years of life, describing how development is shaped by children's experiences with their caregivers.
Enhancing Maternal Sensitivity to Infants and Young Children (PDF - 32 KB)
Florida State University Harris Institute for Infant Mental Health Training (2006)
Reviews research findings on strategies for enhancing mothers' sensitivity to the behavior and emotions of their infants and toddlers.
Hard Wiring Young Brains for Intimacy: The Essential First Step to Breaking Generational Cycles of Abuse and Neglect (PDF - 372 KB)
Drielsma
Child Abuse Prevention, 8(2), 2000
Explains how child abuse prevention programs contribute to the social capital of communities by promoting optimal brain development in young children.
The Impact of Maltreatment on the Developing Child (PDF - 233 KB)
Hagele
North Carolina Medical Journal, 66, 2005
Reviews the long-term physical, emotional, behavioral, developmental, social, and cognitive impact of child maltreatment on the brain structure and chemistry of the developing child.
The Importance of Attachment
In What Children Need to Grow and Thrive
Centre of Knowledge on Healthy Child Development (2001)
Explains types of attachment, the importance of attachment, and the long-term effects of poor attachment.
The Importance of Attachment: The First Relationship
Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory (2001)
An overview of research on attachment and early brain development.
Starting Smart: How Early Experiences Affect Brain Development (PDF - 1080 KB)
ZERO TO THREE & Ounce of Prevention Fund (2000, 2nd ed.)
Explains how the brain develops and the powerful effects of early experiences. Also outlines ways to help families support healthy brain development.
Supporting Healthy Relationships Between Young Children and Their Parents: Lessons From Attachment Theory and Research (PDF - 200 KB)
Appleyard & Berlin (2007)
Explains the importance of secure attachment in infant-parent relationships, provides guidelines for supporting parents in forming secure attachments with their young children, and describes several attachment theory- and research-based curricula and programs.
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