Attachment disorders are behavioral disorders that develop in children during the first of two years of growth. They develop as a result of negative experiences during child’s early relationships. Psychologists argue that children who feel insecure, isolated or abandoned eventually learn that they cannot rely on others and view the world as a dangerous place. They exhibit physical and psychological distancing from adults, uncontrollable anger and poor impulse control.

Research has shown that children who suffer from reactive attachment disorders are likely to experience difficulties in forming healthy loving and lasting intimate relationships in their future life because they lack meaningful skills to do so. This leads to lack of trust, low self esteem and desire to be in control.
Attachment disorders can be repaired by building the child’s sense of security. This is important because the sole cause of attachment disorders is lack of trust and feelings of insecurity. Creating a sense of security therefore makes it easy for the child to accept love and support.

Setting consistent limits and loving boundaries for children with attachment disorders makes their world less scaring and gives them power to be in control over their lives. When such children understand what is expected of them, what is acceptable and what is not acceptable as well as the consequences of disobeying, they positively take charge over their lives and become less rebellious, knowing that they are in control.

Psychologists advice people living with children who suffer from attachment disorders to create secure infant attachment by always remaining calm when the child is upset. This is because the child has limited skills to handle his/her feelings and needs help. Staying calm therefore teaches the child that the feelings of anger can be managed.

Other alternatives for repairing attachment disorders include, being always available to resolve any conflicts, owning up mistakes, reconciling, listening, talking and playing with your child.