Signs of Attachment
Children have different attachment needs at different ages. Choosing age-appropriate interactions is crucial to attachment. Attachment happens differently for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and special-needs children.
Attachment Behaviors of Children
Infant
- Gazing into your eyes.
- Snuggling close.
- Smiling.
- Crying to get your attention.
- Reaching to you.
- Being soothed when you hold her.
- Exploring his world.
- Playing peek-a-boo.
- Having needs met when she is hungry, wet or unhappy.
- Being reassured by hearing your voice or seeing you when he awakens in the night crying.
Toddler
- Having opportunities to make choices.
- Exploring her world.
- Reaching for adults when fearful.
- Doing things himself.
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Preschool
- Playing with new friends.
- Coming to parents with fears and concerns.
- Trying new things with adults there to support.
- Learning new things.
Special Needs
- Gazing into your eyes.
- Snuggling close.
- Smiling.
- Crying to get your attention.
- Reaching to you.
- Head or hand movements in your direction.
- Being soothed when you hold her.
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