
Family | EP 08 - The Importance of Attachment | Dr. Matthew Breuninger
- S1E8
- 22:54
- July 21st 2023
Attachment between parents and children is crucial for the child's emotional well-being and overall development. The bond formed during the early stages of a child's life has lifelong implications for their ability to form healthy relationships. The episode offers insights from the hosts, Mike and Alicia Hernon, and Dr. Matthew Breuninger, a psychology expert, on navigating challenges and creating a safe environment for children's development.
Dr. Matthew Breuninger, a professor of psychology at Franciscan University, specializes in attachment between parents and children. His research emphasizes the importance of consistent and empathic care in fostering secure attachments. He provides guidance to parents on cultivating secure attachments, contributing to the understanding of parent-child dynamics.
Intentional attachment is essential for a child's emotional well-being, healthy development, and future relationships. Parents are encouraged to prioritize creating a safe and regulated environment that fosters secure attachments, laying a strong foundation for their lifelong growth and well-being.
Key Takeaways:
- Attachment between parents and children, especially during infancy and toddlerhood, is of utmost importance. The bond formed during this early stage has lifelong implications for the child's ability to form healthy relationships.
- Parents are encouraged to be intentional in their interactions with their babies and toddlers. The way parents hold, talk to, and form relationships with their children play a vital role in shaping their ability to form healthy relationships throughout their lives.
- Numerous studies indicate that the parent-child relationship has a significant impact on various aspects of a child's life, including their academic and physical growth. A strong attachment provides a foundation for a child's overall well-being.
- There are many challenges faced by parents, particularly in large families, in maintaining attachment with each child. It highlights the importance of quality time and individual attention to ensure that each child feels loved and attended to.
- Secure attachment can be fostered through consistent and empathic care. Even if insecure attachment patterns were present in childhood, it is possible to change and regain secure attachments through intentional efforts.
Get ready to embrace your sacred calling and embark on a journey of joyful family life with Alicia and Mike Hernon as your guides! Discover expert insights and practical tips from our diverse lineup of hosts and guest speakers. Join Shalom World Podcasts and the Messy Family Project for an inspiring season that will take your parenting skills to the next level.
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Shalom World - Family
Looking to up your parenting game? Moms and dads get ready to embrace your sacred calling of parenting! On this season of Family, Shalom World in association with the Messy Family Project, bring you the perfect guide to Catholic parenting - Family: Guide to Parenthood.
Join us as we explore select topics covering everything from raising kids to strengthening marriages. Our hosts and expert guest speakers from various ministries and walks of life will share their wisdom and insights, while each episode also features a helpful tip for parents.
Together, let's renew the Church and the world one family at a time. Get ready to unlock the secrets of joyful family life and parenthood with hosts, Alicia and Mike Hernon

Mike and Alicia Hernon are a couple who have been through the ups and downs of parenting over the past 28 years of marriage. With ten kids and now grandchildren, they continue to learn about love, sacrifice, and joy. Their podcast, which started in 2015, has grown to over 10,000 monthly listeners by word of mouth. Parents don't always need expert advice; they need support, direction, and advice from other parents who have been in their shoes. That's how and why Mike and Alicia began the Messy Family Project as a full-time ministry.