For parents, raising a child to grow into a person with good qualities, who can adapt to living with others in society, and develop various skills appropriately for their age, is of utmost importance. However, there is another factor that should not be overlooked, as it plays a significant role in making the child trust and obey their parents, and helps them build positive relationships with others in the future. This factor is emotional bonding.

Emotional bonding, or emotional attachment, is the connection formed between the parents or primary caregivers and the child, starting from birth. It is created through close contact, crying, and expressing needs to be recognized by the caregivers. This bond does not occur with everyone. When a child has a parent or caregiver who shows love, care, comfort, and is sensitive to the child’s signals, responding appropriately to the child's needs, the child will feel trust, stability, and safety, which leads to the formation of emotional bonding.

According to John Bowlby’s Attachment Theory, the bond between a child and their caregiver has a lasting impact on the child’s future. The nature of the attachment between the parents or caregivers and the child during early childhood influences the child’s relationships with others and their behavior as they grow older. Further studies by Mary Ainsworth, who researched "infants in unfamiliar situations," expanded on Bowlby’s theory by explaining different attachment styles. These attachment styles depend on the caregiving the child receives from their parents or primary caregivers.

There are four types of attachment styles

1. Secure Attachment: This type of attachment occurs when parents or caregivers consistently demonstrate care and respond to the child's needs in an understanding and timely manner. It must be continuous and reliable for the child to feel secure.
2. Avoidant Attachment: This attachment style develops in children who experience neglect or indifference. The presence or absence of the parent or caregiver does not seem to matter because the child is often ignored and their needs go unmet.
3. Disorganized Attachment: This attachment occurs when parents or primary caregivers respond to the child with extreme emotions, creating fear through threats or aggressive behavior when the child expresses a need.
4. Ambivalent Attachment: This attachment style develops in children who receive inconsistent caregiving. At times, the parents show interest, but at other times, they neglect the child. When the child expresses a need, the response is often mismatched, causing uncertainty in the child.

Studies on the long-term effects of emotional attachment in children have revealed that children with secure attachment tend to develop a sense of safety in their environment. This leads to self-development, higher self-esteem, creativity, independence, and leadership qualities. They are capable of forming meaningful relationships, trusting others, and building confidence in themselves.

Children with avoidant attachment tend to avoid forming close relationships with others. They often maintain distance from people, relying more on self-confidence and self-reliance, and have difficulty trusting others. When they do become close or start trusting someone, they may withdraw from those relationships.

Children with disorganized attachment often struggle to connect with others and have difficulty controlling their emotions. They desire love but also fear it, often trying to escape from relationships with others.

Children with ambivalent attachment are often anxious and indecisive. They fear abandonment, feel insecure, and constantly seek reassurance from others, which hinders their ability to be themselves.

It is evident that the emotional attachment between parents and children from birth influences the way children develop, leading to different characteristics. Therefore, parents should place importance on nurturing and fostering a healthy emotional bond with their children to help them develop self-confidence, emotional stability, and a positive growth path.

Ways to Strengthen Emotional Bonding

Be Observant and Respond Appropriately
Parents should respond to their children's needs promptly, appropriately, and consistently. This can be achieved by observing the child’s gestures and expressions to understand their likes, dislikes, and needs.

Play with Your Child to Communicate Love and Understanding
Parents should spend time playing with their children to create quality time together. This can start with hugs, kisses, and warm physical touches, using gestures or talking without being overly directive. Allow the child the freedom to learn and explore while conveying love and joy in being with them.

Provide Emotional Warmth
Parents should maintain emotional stability, avoid raising their voice or scolding loudly when the child is upset or fearful. Instead, they should comfort the child gently, reassuring them and providing a sense of safety, trust, and calmness.

Organize Daily Routines
Parents should teach their children to follow a consistent routine for waking up, eating, and playing, without being overly strict or emotional. The key is to establish a regular schedule that helps children learn discipline and develop a sense of stability in their behaviors.