The 4 S’s of Building Trust

By Jayanta Chakraborty

How do we actually go about building a secure attachment? It can be broken down into four simple, actionable concepts known as the Four S's:

• Safe: This is the foundation. We must ensure our children feel protected from physical and emotional harm, eliminating fear and unpredictability²³.
• Seen: It is not enough to just be present; we must acknowledge the child's inner world. This involves attentive listening and validating their feelings so they know their emotions matter.
• Soothed: When a child is distressed, we offer a calming presence. This teaches them that they can rely on us to help manage difficult emotions
• Secure: This is the culmination of the first three. When a child feels safe, seen, and soothed, they develop a deep trust in themselves and their caregivers

In the coming weeks of the Monk Parent program, we will focus on practicing these steps to create a nurturing environment for both you and your child