Have you ever wondered why some people seem completely comfortable in relationships while others constantly worry that they will be left or rejected? Or why some people crave closeness while others instinctively pull away?

Did I have to worry about food or shelter? Did I have to navigate mom or dad being in a bad mood often? Did a parent struggle with addiction? Was a reliable ride to school available consistently? These questions are so important because early childhood attachment affects our future more than we realize. More than 50% of children do not experience a childhood where their emotional needs are met.

Attachment is the emotional bond that develops between a child and caregiver. It forms through repeated experiences of comfort, safety, responsiveness, and connection. When a child’s needs are consistently met, they begin to learn an important message: the world is safe, and people can be trusted. But when early trauma occurs, attachment can become disrupted.

Every November, we celebrate National Adoption Awareness Month. This is a time to honor the beauty, complexity, and lifelong impact of adoption. It’s a season to recognize the families brought together through adoption, to elevate the voices of adoptees, and to shed light on the realities that often go unspoken.