Katherine J. Worsdale, R.N., N.P., MSN
The problem addressed by the facilitator is the lack of knowledge regarding the difference between attachment and attunement. Attachment is a deep emotional bond that connects caregiver to child across time and space. Secure attachment only develops through the process of attunement. Attunement is a reciprocal connection with another human being. It is important to educate parents that having their child in their presence (attachment) is not the same as having a deep emotional connection (attunement). The facilitator collected data on this subject by conducting a literature review and watching videos on the
Simms/Mann Institute’s site. This review highlighted the importance of attachment and attunement. Face-toface exchanges between infant and caregiver begin at zero to five months, and play a key role in the child's development in expression of feelings. Therefore it is important to begin teaching, guiding, and being present for children at birth. Parents must learn to read the infant’s feelings state and respond accordingly.
The facilitator attended the first annual
Simms/Mann Institute Think Tank, where Dr.
Andrew Meltzoff was a featured speaker. The facilitator felt immediately drawn to the topic of attachment and attunement. This interest sharpened this facilitators observation skills of parents and children in the community. It was astonishing to observe how many parents were texting, talking on the phone, and plugged into their devices when they were in the presence of their children. Many parents were more engaged with their phone than their child. The attention paid to the devices seemed to be getting in the way of parents being attuned and attached to their child. These observations inspired the facilitator to do research on the topic of attachment and attunement. This research included viewing Dr.
Meltzoff’s study in the field of infant imitation.
The facilitator’s observations and research inspired her to create a video on the subject of attachment and attunement. This video highlights the importance of caregivers being connected to their children.
This video will help parents get back to the basics, the importance of attachment and attunement; motivating them to become more engaged with their children.
Attunement is not just being in tune with how your son is feeling and it is not just matching your daughter’s affect (you are smiling so I will smile back), but it is “sharing” the emotional experience of your child.
Children are our future. Should we not invest in our future?
AllenInstitute. “Andrew Meltzoff: 2012 Seattle Brain
Salon.” Online Video.
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Retrieved from http://wondertime.go.com/learning/article/what-babiesknow-at-birth_PF.html
Family Photos provided by Stark Family (release forms obtained)
Family Photos provided by Alexan Family (release forms obtained )
Landon. (2009, June 08).
. Retrieved from http://caloteens.com/blog/post/Attunement-Going-
Inside-Attachment.aspx
Photo Credit: freedigitalphotos.net
Simms/Mann Institute Education Initiative.
Guide. 2013.
Due to the fast-paced lifestyle of the 21 st Century, parenting has become more challenging then ever.
There is pressure to stay “connected” through our devices, which can distract us from being connected and present with our children. The synchrony between caregiver and child shapes the child’s future relationships.
Objective:
The objective of this video is to encourage parents to become reflective about their own digital behavior when they are with their children. The hope is that parents will disconnect from technology and spend more time connected in face-to-face dialogue with their children. It is difficult for a caregiver to be emotionally present when they are texting, talking on the phone, or working on the computer.
By viewing this video parents will ideally understand the difference between attachment and attunement. It is the facilitators hope that this awareness will enable parents to reflect upon their own behavior and develop strategies for creating healthy relationships with their child. All parents could benefit from viewing the video and using it as a guide to achieve secure attachment and attunement relationships.
Simms/Mann Institute
Santa Barbara City College Foundation
Anne Stark and Family
Robin Alexan and Family
Gina Gillum, Simms/Mann Institute
Sandra Reeves
DeLauna Lynn Boyle
Katherine Worsdale, R.N., N.P., MSN
RESEARCH POSTER PRESENTATION DESIGN © 2012 www.PosterPresentations.co
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