For some time, there has been a series of concepts that are emerging in relation to motherhood. Thus, for example, we are now learning what BLW -Baby Led Weaning- is, mixed breastfeeding and phases of attachment. All these concepts already existed, but it is now when they are being given more visibility. But what do we know about those phases of attachment?
What is Attachment Theory
The truth is that as human beings we need to live in society. That is why, from an early age, we develop a very special bond with our parents, that of attachment. It was in the early 1900s that the Attachment Theorycreated by the psychiatrist and psychoanalyst John Bowlby.
attachment is the first bond that the little one establishes with an adult figure and is built with different physical and emotional interactions. Thus, the child will seek some protection and make sure that her parents are always by her side. The latter is known as ‘affective availability’ and will exist if the child has already experienced it before.
Therefore, to achieve attachment, it will be necessary to know its different characteristics. Thus, for example, it will be important to maintain that proximity. In this way, the baby will have the desire to be close to those people with whom she has created a bond.
Also, your son You will feel like your place where you can take refuge in any situation. That is, you will become the person who provides calm and security. This is because, during their growth, there will be certain situations that make them feel in danger or uncomfortable and, therefore, they will seek that complicity.
Also, the parents will become the place where the little one will always come back. It is normal, and they are of age, to discover a new world. That’s why, when they finish exploring, they always decide to return to their ‘base’. Of course, in all these characteristics we can also find one that will be less pleasant: separation anxiety. This will not be produced by attachment, but by the perception of absence. It will be at this moment when the little one feels anguish and discomfort.
What are the stages of attachment
Regarding stages it will be vital to know how they are distributed. The first one will be the pre-attachment phase, which will occur in the first weeks. In it, the baby will be delighted with anyone who offers him some security and calm. Therefore, there will be no specific attachment to a specific person. Also, she usually develops some behaviors to get the attention of her caregiver.
next thing will be the attachment establishment phase, from six weeks to eight months, and it will be when the child begins to recognize who their caregivers are. With them, the baby will feel safe.
The third phase extends to the two years. It will be at that moment when the true emotional link of attachment. Thus, the child will look for and need his caregivers and will show some anger, crying and anguish when he is separated from them. In addition, the child will explore the world more autonomously, with more confidence.
The last phase occurs from two years of age. Thus, it will be when the attachment bond is consolidated and seeks the support of their caregivers, both psychologically and symbolically. Also, you will know that the absence of one of them will not be permanent.
