Attachment Books for kids under 5

Early attachment is important to development. There are many situations where proper attachment can be affected. A great technique is for the caregiver the child to hear a story about the caregiver and the child daily. An attachment, or bonding book, is a great source for such a technique.

An attachment book consists of how the child came into the family. If it is a natural family, this would involve the anticipation for having the child and welcoming the child into their life. If the family is extended family, foster family, fost-adopt family, or another family, this would involve how they came to live with them and the joy in being received. Depending on how old the child is, it can include their life and other bonding experiences up until now.

The technique involves reading this story to them daily, ideally where the child is sitting in the caregivers lap. If not tolerated, sitting close, or part of the body touching each other, such as knee to knee. If possible, it is a great idea to create more than one type of bonding book, so there is a variety. Other books may include a bonding event, such as they day there was a family picnic, family vacation, etc. It is important that there is a written expression of how fun, loving and important it is for the family to spend time together. Having 7 books is ideal, for each day of the week.

Fully attached children are more secure later in life, and have less emotional problems while growing up. Healing Through Story, a division of Cheetah Legacy, is available to assist you in creating your attachment book. Story planner and story maps are available.