One of the challenges with being the parent of a Child of Trauma is moving the child to a place of trust and respect so the child can grow into relationships where there is need on both sides. A big part of this problem stems from the fact that the child's needs weren't consistently met when he or she was really little. Many attachment programs focus on having the child ask for everything - from food, to what clothes to wear, to watching a little TV. The idea is that the child has to request from the parent all needs and wants.

What about when a child is sick? At this point a kiddo is extremely vulnerable - the defenses are way down - and the child is particularly in a place where his or her needs need to be met in quite specific ways. Can the parent of a Child of Trauma leverage times when the kid has a bad cold or the flu to help strengthen attachment?

I think the answer is probably. Consistently meeting a child's needs can, with luck, build that relationship, creating attachment.

What do others think?

Photo Credit
Andres Rueda on Flickr