Bowlby And Ainsworth's Theory Of Attachment

The statement from Te whāriki talks about the goal of children establishing different types of relationships, one theory that underpins a good relationship between the child and teacher is Bowlby and Ainsworth’s idea about attachment. By children having secure attachment relationships with parents, relatives and child care providers it “allows children the chance to develop an internal model of security about the world and, and allow their minds to develop a sense of emotional well-being and psychological resilience” (Siegel, 1999, p. 48). By having secure relationships with the child we can make them feel a sense of belonging and especially having the same staff with infants and letting them know that the same teachers will be there to welcome
and care for them. By having close relationships with the child and parents we can learn what each child likes and dislikes, making familiar spaces for the infant to sleep and eat and learn the routines so they can grow to be comfortable and familiar with them which are part of the goals in the strand belonging from Te whāriki. Rolfe (2000) talks about how close relationships require time in which each partner in the relationship can get to know each other familiarly which leads to the child feeling comfortable, secure and valued (Rolfe, 2000).