Explain the bonding and attachment processes and how they influence parent-child relationships.

Explanation should include

• the definition of the term bonding
• the definition of the term attachment
• ways to bond with a newborn
• ways to bond with an older infant or child
• the benefits of bonding for parent and child
• the relationship between bonding and shared parenting
• the effects of delayed or lack of bonding for parent and child
• the importance of relationships with caregivers
• the connection between co-regulation and self-regulation
• the importance of regulation in forming or maintaining relationships. 

Process/Skill Questions

Thinking

• What are the benefits of bonding with an infant? What are the problems created by not bonding with an infant?
• What social or economic factors might restrict the development of family bonds?
• What is the relationship between bonding and physical care of an infant?

Communication

• Why is it as important for fathers to care for infants as it is for mothers?
• What communication strategies may help couples discuss the sharing of parenting roles?
• When might be a good time for a couple to discuss the sharing of parenting roles?

Leadership

• What barriers to sharing parenting roles might exist for couples today?
• What factors can contribute to bonding between an adult and an older child?
• What are the effects on a child who is a victim of inadequate parenting?

Management

• What resources might be available to parents who have conflicting ideas about shared parenting?
• Why do fathers sometimes find it difficult to care for an infant? How can these fathers overcome the difficulty?
• How do hospital practices encourage immediate bonding between parents and newborns?
• How can parents advocate for immediate bonding experiences after birth?