
Purpose: To demonstrate that the security of attachment is the engine of independence.
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The Secure Anchor: Independence doesn’t mean the child separates from us; it means they are secure enough in our love and presence (secure attachment) to explore the world and fail.
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Identifying Parental Fears (BNE View): Overprotection is often driven by the adult’s fear of:
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Social Judgment: “What will people think if my child can’t dress themselves?”
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Child’s Failure: Avoiding the pain of seeing the child frustrated or fail.
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Loss of Control: The child’s autonomy clashes with the parent’s desire for efficiency and order.
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The Biological Solution: Allowing autonomy is a conscious handover of control, recognizing that the conflict is our fear, not the child’s inability.