When It Takes More Than Love

As a parent (permanent guardian) of a 6 year old with attachment issues, I have read with interest some of the postings on the ATTACh Parent Support discussion forum. This evening I finally was able to read some of the postings I had not previously seen.

One thing I have learned in having this little boy in our home is that he will keep us busy. We have had him for two years and he often appears to be attached to us at this point. He has a lot of little fits, but he can talk now and he has fewer of these, and they are less intense than they used to be.

Being a therapist myself (although not yet trained in attachment therapy) I have read with interest whatever materials I can grab for resources. I also work with a teenager and his dad who have only been together for about 2 1/2 to 3 years (first 6 months he had to share with another guardian), I am seeing more of what could happen if we don't get our little man as fully attached as we can.

I believe that any parent who is struggling to care for such a child needs much support. I believe that however a parent is parenting, that parent needs the support of the therapist when things are getting tough. I believe that is the best way to support the child--support the loving parent who is raising the child--whenever there is a crisis!!