Has My Child Developed An Anxious Attachment Style?

Does your child cling to you or their attachment figures?

Does your child explore less than children of a similar age?

Does your child cry that isn’t easily consoled?

Does your child avoid interacting with strangers?

Does your child become very upset when a caregiver leaves?

Does your child show aggressive behavior and poor peer interactions?

Does your child appear generally anxious?

Does your child have problems regulating and controlling negative emotions?

Based on your answers, it’s unlikely that your child shows signs of an anxious attachment style, which is positive news. The baby-caregiver relationship is important to a child’s development and understanding of the world around them. When a child has developed anxious attachment toward their parent or caregiver, he or she may be anxious when separated by that caregiver. Besides, they may be hard to console after the parent has come back. In adulthood, this person may need constant reassurance and affection from their partner. They may also have difficulties being alone.

Based on your answers, your child is showing some signs related to an anxious attachment style. The way a parent or caregiver interacts with a baby can have an influence on the type of attachment style the child develops. When a parent shows inconsistent behaviors, the child may become confused and insecure because they don’t know what to expect. A child who has developed an anxious attachment toward a caregiver may act clingy toward them in order to have their needs met. As a caregiver or parent, you can help prevent anxious attachment by consistently responding to your baby’s distress in loving ways.

Unfortunately, your child is displaying the signs typically seen among children who have an anxious attachment style. Children with this type of attachment style may cling to their parents or caregivers and become inconsolable when a caregiver leaves. As an adult, they may become jealous or have other insecurities about relationships. As a caregiver or parent, you can help prevent anxious attachment by consistently responding to your baby’s distress in loving ways. If parents are neglectful, abusive, or emotionally unavailable children are more likely to develop anxious attachment.