When a parent looks at a baby with joy, the baby sees themselves reflected as something valuable. This secure attachment gives the child the "courage to be." 2. The Power of Play
A child needs a "holding environment"—a physical and emotional space where they feel safe enough to take risks. Attachment, Play, and Authenticity: A Winnicott...
Authenticity is a byproduct of feeling safe. When we have a secure "holding" (Attachment) and the freedom to experiment (Play), we no longer need to hide behind a mask. We become "real" to ourselves and others. When a parent looks at a baby with
Winnicott famously distinguished between the and the False Self . Attachment, Play, and Authenticity: A Winnicott...