There is ample reason to spend time and energy helping parents (or other consistent caregivers) encourage a secure attachment between themselves and their little one. Research seems to indicate that a child who forms a close, trusting relationship with a consistent caregiver has a significant developmental advantage compared to the child who has not had such an opportunity. A child who has learned to trust someone in his life for warm, responsive care seems to develop, in the first few years, a more confident, positive view of the world and those in it. It appears that the securely attached child is more interested in exploration of the environment, feels more confident, and is more likely to reach his intellectual potential. He seems to be better able to control anger and aggression and to be more likely to develop secure relationships later in life. he tolerates frustration better and recovers from stress more quickly. Recent research has even suggested physical differences in the brain of the securely attached child, in levels of activity and the effects of stress hormones, when compared to the child without a secure attachment.

The behaviors and skills that will promote secure attachments are those that parent educators have long taught and encouraged. More conscientious, deliberate encouragement, through modeling and direct teaching, may be necessary with parents who themselves never formed early, secure attachments or are in very stressful situations. to promote a secure attachment between child and parent encourage:

Helping parents get to know their child, share time with him and to appreciate him as a special person will promote a secure attachment...the kind of loving relationship necessary for healthy physical, emotional and cognitive development.