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Bonds that transform: secure attachment in young children

24-09-2025

Have you ever heard something like... "I told you so," "I'm telling you to be careful," "I wish I had more time for myself," "I wouldn't know how to live without my daughter or son?"

These are phrases many moms and dads have admitted to using with their children. Sometimes, the power of words can trigger unpleasant emotions in those who hear them. In general, this type of phrase directly affects how our children feel it can lower their self-confidence or even the trust they have in us to communicate openly. 

How would you define the relationship you have with your children? Do they know how to communicate what they need? Who takes care of fulfilling those needs? 

All human beings need to communicate. From the time we are little, we express some of our needs through crying or laughter that’s how we let others know we are hot, hungry, or tired. We begin by forming emotional connections with our caregivers often mom and dad from whom we learn how to build relationships and feel that we have a safe, protective base with caregivers who are available and willing to be there for us. But what happens when that connection isn’t secure? 

Respecting our children’s needs is essential because they will always depend on an adult. That is why the type of relationship we build with them is so important it goes beyond just being physically present. 

Meeting children’s needs for love, care, and protection is part of the secure attachment that we, as responsible adults, must create so that as they grow, they can build healthier relationships, develop emotional independence, learn to manage their feelings, recognize their own space, and handle life’s challenges in the best way possible. 

Building healthy bonds with our children means teaching them that being together is joyful, while separation is natural. Creating these kinds of relationships prevents anxious, dependent, or unhealthy attachment and instead fosters security, confidence, and emotional well-being. 

How to know if you have secure attachment with your child

  • You are present and mindful in the moment you share with them while staying true to yourself as a person.
  • You accompany and guide them, honoring your role as an adult and respecting their developmental stage without trying to rush it.
  • You know how to set boundaries to protect them and promote both safety and independence.
  • You express your feelings through words, physical affection, or meaningful gestures.
  • You enjoy their company but also value and make time for yourself.


If you answered “yes” to three or more of these points, you are on the right path toward building secure attachment with your children. If not, consider the following recommendations: 

Cómo Desarrollar un Apego Seguro

  • Permíteles aprender a hacer las cosas por sí mismos poco a poco. Dales opciones, deja que elijan y permite que cometan errores sin miedo.

  • Valida sus sentimientos. Cuando notes que están tristes, enojados, felices o emocionados, acércate, nombra la emoción y comparte una historia sobre un momento en que tú sentiste lo mismo. Esto les ayuda a entender que las emociones son normales.

  • Obsérvalos. Nada se siente mejor que ser visto. Estate atento y hazles saber que notas lo que hacen, lo que no hacen y lo que quieren hacer.

  • Protégelos. Asegúrate de que sientan que estás ahí para ellos siempre que te necesiten.

  • Empodéralos. Muéstrales que son capaces de realizar distintas actividades, tareas o juegos; esto fortalece su confianza y autoestima.

Recuerda: una de las claves del apego seguro es mostrarles a tus hijos que pueden confiar en ti en todo lo que hacen. Esta sensación de seguridad les da la confianza para descubrir, crear y explorar.

Este tipo de apego se puede construir con cualquier adulto que interactúe de cerca con tus hijos; no es exclusivo de los padres. También puede desarrollarse en la escuela, por lo que damos gran importancia a ayudar a los niños a crecer felices, seguros y bien preparados para el futuro, en un entorno que fortalezca su autoestima y bienestar emocional, con las familias como socios en el proceso.

Con nosotros, tus hijos aprenden en un espacio seguro donde la exploración libre y guiada apoya su desarrollo óptimo. Aprenden mediante el juego, siguiendo reglas, interactuando con otros, resolviendo problemas, expresando sus sentimientos, estimulando su curiosidad, desarrollando la creatividad y descubriendo el mundo juntos en un ambiente seguro, amoroso, divertido y saludable.

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