ABSTRACT
In this chapter, foundations of mental health in children are explained from the perspective of attachment and early relationships between a child and their caregiver. Traditional and modern attachment theories are examined, along with the underlying mechanisms of social-emotional development and self-regulation in a child. The chapter presents arguments that a caregiver’s emotional responsiveness to the child, their reflective function, and mutual regulation with the child are essential in promoting strong self-regulation, emotional intelligence, mental health, and wellbeing in the child.
