Parenting teens can feel like walking a tightrope between holding on and letting go. In this episode of The Art of Attachment, we explore how attachment evolves in adolescence and what it means to stay connected when your teen pulls away. You’ll learn how to recognize secure vs. insecure attachment patterns in teens, discover practical strategies to strengthen connection, and get creative tools for deepening your relationship—even in the midst of silence, sass, or slammed doors.

In this episode of The Art of Attachment, Natalie explores how the parent-child attachment bond evolves from infancy through adulthood. She unpacks the developmental shifts that naturally change how children connect with their caregivers—and how those changes can either strengthen or strain the relationship. From snuggles in early childhood to the emotional distance of adolescence and beyond, Natalie discusses how both secure and insecure attachments impact each stage of development. Listeners will learn creative, practical strategies to stay connected through it all.

In this episode of The Art of Attachment, Natalie explores the deep impact of screen time—from infancy through adolescence—on emotional development, regulation, and attachment. Learn how electronics and social media may quietly shape a child’s inner world, and discover five fresh, creative strategies to reconnect with children and teens without conflict or shame. Whether you're a parent or therapist, you’ll walk away with practical tools to replace screen time with joyful, relationship-building moments.

Disorganized attachment can leave parents feeling confused, rejected, and exhausted. In this episode, Natalie explores how disorganized attachment develops, what it looks like in everyday parenting, and why connection can feel both comforting and terrifying to these children. You’ll gain practical strategies to build safety, co-regulate during chaos, and create meaningful moments of repair. Includes a free creative activity, My Connection Map, to use at home or in therapy.

In this episode of The Art of Attachment, we explore the transformative power of “Connection Over Correction” through an attachment-based lens. Perfect for both parents and therapists, this conversation offers practical tools, real-life examples, and compassionate insight into how we can respond to children’s behavior with curiosity and empathy rather than control. Learn how to co-regulate, repair ruptures, and strengthen the parent-child bond — one moment of connection at a time.

In this episode of The Art of Attachment, we explore how parents, caregivers, and therapists can help children calm down without falling into power struggles. You’ll learn why emotional regulation is built through co-regulation first, not correction, and discover three simple strategies to support a child’s developing brain. We’ll also share easy, creative activities — like emotion coloring and calm down jars — that make emotional regulation more accessible at home and in therapy. Plus, don’t miss the free Attachment Starter Guide linked in the show notes!

In this episode of The Art of Attachment, we explore how social media and electronics are shifting the way we connect—and how that shift impacts our attachment with children. From missed moments to modern-day parenting pressures, we unpack what’s getting in the way of presence and offer creative, playful strategies to reconnect. You’ll walk away with simple rituals, Theraplay-inspired ideas, and fresh insight on building meaningful connection in a tech-saturated world.

In this episode of The Art of Attachment, Natalie explores what happens when parents disagree on how to parent—and how those differences can quietly (or loudly) impact a child’s sense of safety and the emotional bond between partners. From inconsistent discipline to clashing communication styles, these tensions can leave children confused and partners disconnected. Natalie breaks down the attachment implications and offers five practical ways parents can realign as a team, even when they don’t see eye-to-eye. Whether you're in the thick of it or supporting parents through it, this episode offers insight, validation, and actionable tools to strengthen connection at home.

In this episode of The Art of Attachment, Natalie explores the essential role of repair in building secure relationships. Ruptures are a natural part of connection, but it's the way we come back together that shapes trust, safety, and resilience. Learn what repair really means, why it matters in attachment, and walk away with creative, practical strategies for both therapy sessions and everyday parenting. From the broken heart craft to do-over rituals, this episode has practical tools to help you turn conflict into connection.

In this heartfelt continuation of a two-part conversation, Natalie Larson is joined by therapist and podcast host Liz Emmerich to explore the delicate dynamics of parent-child attachment. Together, they dive into the signs of disconnection, the role of a caregiver’s self-awareness, and how repair and reconnection can be built through intentional presence, play, and self-regulation. With warmth and clinical wisdom, they offer practical tools for caregivers navigating behavioral challenges, emotional distance, and the daily grind of parenting. Whether you’re deep in the attachment work or just beginning the journey, this episode offers encouragement, validation, and tangible next steps.

In this episode of The Art of Attachment, we explore hands-on activities designed to strengthen attachment in adoption. Whether parenting an infant, school-age child, or teen, these strategies help build trust, emotional safety, and connection. From sensory play and storytelling to cultural exploration and trust-building challenges, each activity supports healing and deepens relationships. Tune in for practical, research-based techniques that parents and therapists can use to foster secure attachment—because connection matters, every single day.

Adopting from foster care is a beautiful yet complex journey that requires deep understanding, patience, and connection. In this episode of The Art of Attachment, we explore the impact of early trauma, multiple placements, and disrupted attachment on children adopted from foster care.

International adoption brings unique joys and challenges, especially when early adversity and institutional care impact a child’s ability to trust and attach. In this episode of The Art of Attachment, we explore how early trauma shapes brain development, why transitions can be overwhelming, and how adoptive parents can create a foundation of safety and connection.

Adoption is more than just placement—it’s a lifelong journey of attachment, identity, and connection. In this episode of The Art of Attachment, we dive into private domestic adoption and explore how early separation, open vs. closed adoption, and identity struggles shape a child’s attachment development.

Parenting is stressful—there’s no way around it. From daily responsibilities to unexpected challenges, stress can take a toll on how we connect with our children. But even in overwhelming moments, maintaining a secure attachment is possible. In this episode, we explore how different attachment styles influence our responses to stress and how past experiences can shape the way we parent under pressure. Whether you tend to withdraw, become anxious, or struggle with emotional swings, understanding your stress response is the first step toward strengthening your connection with your child.

In this episode of The Art of Attachment, Natalie Larson dives deep into the complex world of attachment trauma. Whether you’re a parent navigating challenging behaviors or a therapist supporting children and families, this episode offers valuable insights into understanding the impact of early disruptions in caregiving relationships. Natalie explores how attachment trauma manifests through behaviors like defiance, emotional dysregulation, and resistance to connection.

In this episode of The Art of Attachment, we explore the intersection of adoption and attachment, focusing on how trauma shapes the relationships and emotional needs of adopted children. We discuss the unique challenges of adopting through foster care, international adoption, and private domestic adoption.

In this episode of The Art of Attachment, we explore ambivalent attachment and its connection to trauma. Learn how early relational experiences shape this attachment style and discover strategies for creating safety, trust, and connection in caregiving and therapeutic relationships. We'll dive into creative, trauma-informed activities for parents, children, and therapists and discuss how Theraplay's structure, engagement, nurture, and challenge dimensions can support healing. Join us as we uncover practical ways to foster secure attachment and resilience in children. "Connection matters, every single day. So stay connected!"

As we transition into a new year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the attachment strategies we’ve used, celebrate our growth, and set meaningful goals for the year ahead. In this episode of The Art of Attachment, host Natalie Larson guides listeners through an exploration of their attachment journey—what worked, what didn’t, and how to build on those lessons moving forward.

The holidays can be magical, but they can also bring challenges—especially for families navigating attachment. In this episode of The Art of Attachment, host Natalie Larson explores how the season’s disruptions, overstimulation, and busy schedules impact children with various attachment styles.