ABSTRACT
This chapter is all about beginnings; both behaviour during a baby's first months of life, though also first principles in terms of understanding early emotional development. It explores exciting new developments in what we are learning about neurological development. The chapter focuses on the importance of developing secure attachments in the early years and how this should inform all of our planning and support. Strengths-based approaches concentrate on the inherent strengths of individuals, families, groups and organisations, deploying personal strengths to promote development, aid recovery and empower. The chapter also focuses on health and well-being, and embraces an asset-based approach where the goal is to promote the positive rather than to emphasise the negative. The patterns of attachment remain remarkably consistent over time until the child is about six, and so can be observed, identified and worked with. Young children can learn to form secure attachments within the setting through your consistency and nurturing.
