When young children are neglected in their earliest relationships, usually with their parents, they can form attachment issues. These issues stem from feeling repeatedly abandoned, isolated, and uncared for. Often, this comes as the result of living in poor conditions at a young age. Many children who have been adopted from foreign countries where they have been mistreated and placed in orphanages develop attachment issues. For parents with newly adopted children, these attachment issues can be stressful and emotionally trying. It’s hard to know whether your efforts to connect with your child are worth it, especially because your child with attachment issues can’t give you the emotional feedback you’re expecting. But don’t be too worried – with time and patience, you and your child can work through their attachment issues.
Tips for parents with children who have attachment issues
Parenting a child with attachment issues is not an easy job. The trick is to remain calm, but assertive as you interact with your child. Your child needs to learn that they can trust you and that you can provide them with safety and comfort. Here are a few more tips to help improve your relationship with your child with attachment issues:
- Find support and ask for help: You’ll need the help of friends and other loved ones to avoid becoming stressed to the point of breaking down. Support groups for parents of children with attachment issues can also provide you with the guidance you’ll need.
Image source: Flickr user- lorenkerns
- Reconnect with your child immediately following conflict: If you’ve had to discipline your child, make sure to reconnect with them as soon as possible. That will reassure your child that you are there for them through thick and thin.
- Understand your child’s emotional age: Many children struggling with attachment issues are not their true age, emotionally. Make sure to comfort and nurture your child in a way that is appropriate for them.
- Help your child work through their emotions: Children with attachment issues don’t know what they are feeling or how to ask for what they need because of their emotions. Make sure they know that what their feeling is okay. Show them healthy ways for them to express what they are feeling.
Trails Carolina can help
Trails Carolina, a wilderness therapy program for young people ages 10-17, can help your child struggling with attachment issues find success. We help adolescents struggling with difficulties like depression, anxiety, substance use, and defiance issues.
For more information about Trails Carolina, please call 800-975-7303
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Trails saved my daughter’s life. Amanda is an amazing human and a brilliant therapist. I am so grateful to her, Science Steve, and the other wonderful people who could reach my daughter at a time when I could not.
Margot Lowman August 2022
Great life changing experience for our son. After becoming addicted to gaming during covid he was very depressed. At Trails he experienced the wilderness, Science Steve, learning survival skills and top notch therapy and support etc… I highly recommend! This gave our son and our family a renewed family bond full of love and excitement about his bright future.
Winnifred Wilson July 2022
Outstanding clinical work and superb staff! There’s a great culture at this company and it shows with how they engage with families/clients.
Kristin Brace June 2022
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