A research study in 2010 by Humphreys and Kiraly, found that while brain development begins in utero, it is only 25% of its adult size at birth; yet by 3 years it is 90% of its adult size.
We know that the child’s cognitive, behavioural and emotional development is dependent upon the way in which the brain develops, which will be compromised in the absence of a secure attachment.
Parenting arrangements for the 0 – 4 year age group
Federal Magistrate Robyn Sexton’s (as she was then known) 2011 paper entitled “Parenting arrangements for the 0 – 4 year age group” provides significant information in relation to the theory of attachment, appropriate arrangements for children under the age of 4 and the questions parents and family lawyers ought ask when determining the care arrangements for young infants.
Some of the points made by Federal Magistrate Sexton (as she was then known) include:
Adverse Outcomes of Disruption to Primary Attachments
It seems generally accepted that serious disruption to the child’s primary attachments can lead to adverse outcomes including subsequent mental health issues throughout that child’s life span.
The research suggests that sometime around 3 or 4 or a bit older, children become less troubled by separations from the primary attachment figure as the infant brain takes on the adult configuration.
We certainly know from the literature that children up to about 4 years of age cannot regulate their own emotions without the assistance of an attachment figure.
In a recent study, McIntosh, Smyth and others talk about the age of 4 as a time when a child can manage straddling households.
Evolution of Infant’s Attachment to Caregivers
From a few weeks of age until about 5-9 months an infant’s preferential attachment to caregivers (usually but not always parents) evolves.
By about 5-9 months a child’s clear-cut attachments have formed and thereafter stranger wariness and separation anxiety will be a feature of a child’s attachment behaviours until 3-4 years of age.
A child can have more than one attachment, but it will be a small number and those attachments will most likely be hierarchical.
Importance of Healthy and Robust Attachments
Healthy, robust attachments are vital to a child’s functioning future.
We know that inappropriate parenting arrangements can negatively impact on both the continuity and the quality of the child’s attachment relationships and cause disruption to the development of a secure attachment with both the primary parent and the parent with whom the child is going to spend time.
Federal Magistrate Sexton’s (as she was then known) paper can be found at:
Importance of Considering Infant’s Attachment to Primary Caregiver
In determining what care arrangements are in an infant’s best interest, significant consideration should be given to ensuring that any such arrangement does not have an adverse impact upon the child’s attachment to its primary care giver.
Understanding Multiple Attachments in Infants
It is however acknowledged that a child can have multiple attachments, though those attachments are likely to be hierarchal.
It must also be noted that an infant’s response to care arrangements post separation, will be as a result of numerous factors such as the temperament of the child, the relationship as between Mother and Father and how old the child was at separation.
Individualized Care Arrangements for Infants
What arrangements will work for your child, may be very different to what works for the next infant.
Before you enter into any ongoing parenting arrangement regarding your young child, obtain specialist family law advice.
Seeking Specialist Family Law Advice
The right family lawyer should also be able to offer a multi-disciplinary approach, by involving allied health professionals and experts to assist in determining what care arrangements are right, for the individual needs of your child.
Need Legal Advice for a Family Law Matter?
BGM Family Lawyers are a local Gold Coast family law firm. We specialise in the areas of Family Law and we have a large team of experienced Solicitors who are ready to assist with your matter.
For legal advice relating to your specific matter in regards to parenting arrangements following a separation or divorce, contact our specialist family lawyers on 1300 246 529 or fill out our online enquiry form.
