Secure Parent, Secure Child; How a Parent's Adult Attachment Shapes the Attachment of the Child by Annette Kussin

 

Secure Parent, Secure Child by Annette Kussin is an in depth exploration of the relationship between parents and their children. Based on the Theory of Attachment, this twelve chapter parenting book explores how a parent's adult attachment style influences their parenting relationship with their children and the attachment of the child.  Kussin suggests that "children who experience loving, nurturing, and predictable environments develop secure attachments" and grow to be adults who expect to be treated well by others. Children who are not afforded positive and nurturing experiences from parents and caregivers, specifically from their mothers, are at risk of developing issues of insecurity and forming beliefs about themselves that influence lifelong relationships in the form of insecure attachments. 

Throughout the book Kussin provides a comprehensive study of Attachment Theory, the three kinds of insecure attachment and the parenting approaches required to create a healthy and happy caregiving environment in which children grow and develop. The author does a superb job at helping readers to understand their own attachment style and the strengths and challenges that arise in parenting. Through easy to read language and numerous case examples, readers will come to understand the traits of Preoccupied-Anxious Attachments and how they differ from those of Dismissing/Avoidant Attachments. In some cases, people who have suffered severe trauma or significant loss in their lives may recognize patterns of Unresolved or Disorganized Attachments. 

Kussin's book aims to assist readers in becoming "effective and grounded parents" by helping them to understand their own attachment style and the challenges that arise from it.  The information is presented in a well organized format, first highlighting the personality and behaviour of each attachment style then outlining both the parenting strengths and challenges that accompany it. Through examples and stories, the author takes readers through a series of exercises and interventions in how to effectively respond to simple everyday situations that may arise. With the goal to develop Securely Attached adults, Kussin believes that adults can learn to be kinder to themselves and to their children by gaining perspective on themselves and their parenting struggles.

Secure Parent, Secure Child; How a Parent's Adult Attachment Shapes the Attachment of the Child by Annette Kussin is a work emanating from decades of lived experience as a social worker and psychotherapist working in children's mental health as well as knowledge gained from working with various researchers and clinicians in the field. Kussin's book contains a plethora of information and practical insight for all parents seeking to change unhealthy parenting practices resulting from attachment insecurities. As an educator and parent, I recognize the importance of healthy and well adjusted children. I enjoyed the compassionate, informative and easy to read delivery of the author's research as she guides parents through a journey of self-reflection.  Secure Parent, Secure Child, published by Guernica Editions,  is the author's second publication following the 2020 release of It's Attachment! A New Way of Understanding Yourself and Your Relationships.