ABSTRACT

Chapter 7 considers the developmental stages of children’s behaviour. Two case studies illustrate how, for good reasons, some children can get stuck in early development stages. The chapter looks at the ‘baby stage’ of bonding, dependency and trust, and how gaps in this stage can lead to very regressed behaviour and intense needs. The chapter goes on to examine the ‘toddler stage’, when toddlers begin to move away from their secure base for short periods and explore the world, knowing their secure base and mother are available nearby, and considers how children stuck in this stage need availability, predictability, secure trusted adults and weaning.

Finally, the ‘latency stage’ is discussed, when children who are opening to play, sharing, taking turns and managing little frustrations often require patient support. The chapter considers developmental ways to respond to ‘gaps’ in early experience and there are lists of practical suggestions for each stage and a section on ‘second-chance attachment’ relationships, which includes attunement from key worker(s), thoughtful provision of experiences and materials and noticing ‘signs of progress’. These are helpfully listed in developmental order, along with helpful ways to support them.