In Attachment Theory, there are two key players, the caregiver and the toddler. A responsive caregiver, by responding contingently to the cues of the as yet nonverbal toddler, takes care of the needs and safety of the toddler, creating what is called a “secure base.” You see, from the toddler’s point of view, the caregiver’s contingent responsiveness is experienced as control over their world. This sense of control is the source of the toddler’s security, and feeling secure, they can explore their world all the way to its very Edge, where it can learn new things, meet new people, and participate in the creation of new things. We all need a secure base -a center - from which to return when things on the Edge seem too dangerous or out of control. And if we are lucky enough to have that secure base, we may just bring something good to the world.
I worked for Dr. Lewis during my senior year at Millsaps. Such a good man.
They just moved him out to St. Catherine's. He's still plugging along.
In Attachment Theory, there are two key players, the caregiver and the toddler. A responsive caregiver, by responding contingently to the cues of the as yet nonverbal toddler, takes care of the needs and safety of the toddler, creating what is called a “secure base.” You see, from the toddler’s point of view, the caregiver’s contingent responsiveness is experienced as control over their world. This sense of control is the source of the toddler’s security, and feeling secure, they can explore their world all the way to its very Edge, where it can learn new things, meet new people, and participate in the creation of new things. We all need a secure base -a center - from which to return when things on the Edge seem too dangerous or out of control. And if we are lucky enough to have that secure base, we may just bring something good to the world.