Illuminate Play Therapy & Counseling

Attachment is the emotional bond between a child and their caregiver - and it shapes how children experience relationships, regulate emotions, and see themselves in the world.  Many parents worry: "Did I do enough?" "Did I mess this up?" "Is my child securely attached?" The good news: secure attachment is not about perfection . It's about connection , repair, and emotional safety over time. As play therapists, we want to help parents understand what secure attachment actually looks like in real life. What is Secure Attachment? Secure attachment develops when a child consistently experiences their caregiver as: Emotionally available Responsive Safe Predictable Willing to repair after mistakes A securely attached child feels: "When I'm upset, someone will help me. When I explore, I can come back." Signs of Secure Attachment in Young Children 1. They Seek Comfort When Upset A securely attached child turns toward their caregiver when distres...