Reply #59: Aw!

[Bouncy Ball]

In recent years, I have decided based on a lot of research that I didn't turn into a violent person MAINLY because, from birth to about five years old, I had a very strong, secure attachment to my very loving, wonderful biological dad. I lost him due to divorce, remarriage and stepparent adoption.

But I read that if a child forms a secure attachment or bond with a loving adult (doesn't even have to be a parent) between birth and three years old, it can be a real lifesaver for them. They can handle adversity better later because that bond was there, even if it is broken later, as mine was.

My younger brother didn't get to have that attachment/bond with our dad, he was too young when the divorce happened. So ALL he ever knew was abuse and neglect. He is a violent man and a drug abuser today.

:shrug:

We're just two examples, but the research bears this out over and over.