Attachment is Essential for Relationship Development - but it doesn't always have to happen in usual ways.

One of the earliest emotional lessons a baby learns is attachment. With consistent, warm, nurturance, a baby develops secure attachment that allows him/her to have satisfying relationships through out life. Of course, the parental relationship has the most influence on the developing attachment in babies, but a healthy attachment with others can also fill in the gaps when there is a lack of parental attachment to the child. For example, a teacher, a grandparent, and neighbor can create a relationship that is extraordinarily meaningful to a child who does not have the chance to develop this at home.

Check out this website for good information on attachment:

http://teacher.scholastic.com/professional/bruceperry/attachment.htm

I have learned throughout my career, that we are all "planting seeds" and never really know which will grow and at what time in a person's life.