Building secure attachments
Seeking support when needed
Children learn to seek support when they experience relationships that are warm, responsive and dependable.
- Children are more likely to seek support when relationships are warm, responsive and trusting.
- Seeking support helps children manage challenges, emotions and new experiences.
- Children gradually learn when and how to ask for help through repeated experiences.
- Knowing support is available encourages children to approach new experiences with confidence.
Through a child's eyes...
“When I need help, I know there are people I can turn to.”
In everyday moments...
Children seek support in many different ways throughout the day. These experiences help children learn that they do not have to manage challenges on their own.
Simple ideas to try
- Asking for help with a difficult task.
- Seeking guidance during unfamiliar experiences.
- Turning to adults when feeling overwhelmed or uncertain.
- Looking for support when resolving conflicts with others.
Building through relationships...
Children are more likely to seek support when adults respond consistently and respectfully to their needs. Supportive relationships help children develop confidence in asking for help when needed.
Simple ideas to try
- Respond positively when children ask for help.
- Encourage children to express their needs and feelings.
- Offer guidance without immediately taking over.
- Reassure children that everyone needs support at times.
Learning through play...
Play provides opportunities for children to practise seeking help, guidance and support in meaningful ways. Through play, children learn that others can assist, encourage and problem-solve alongside them.
Simple ideas to try
- Join children as a supportive play partner.
- Encourage children to ask for help when needed.
- Model asking others for assistance during play.
- Support children to solve problems together.
Creating supportive spaces...
Children are more likely to seek support in environments where they feel safe, respected and emotionally secure. Predictable environments help children feel confident approaching trusted adults.
Simple ideas to try
- Create welcoming and emotionally safe environments.
- Ensure children know who they can turn to for support.
- Establish predictable routines and expectations.
- Provide spaces for conversation, comfort and connection.
Supporting children across contexts...
At home ...
Family relationships provide children with ongoing opportunities to seek help, guidance and reassurance. These experiences help children develop confidence in turning to others when needed.
Simple ideas to try
- Encourage children to ask for help when needed.
- Acknowledge children's efforts before offering support.
- Offer guidance while encouraging independence.
- Reassure children that asking for help is a strength.
In early learning settings...
Consistent relationships with educators help children develop confidence in asking for help, guidance and support throughout the day.
Simple ideas to try
- Build trusting relationships with children and families.
- Encourage children to seek support from trusted adults.
- Respond sensitively when children ask for help.
- Support children to identify adults they can turn to.
Try this today...
- Notice how your child communicates that they need support.
- Encourage your child to ask for help when they need it.
- Acknowledge your child's efforts before stepping in to assist.
- Reassure your child that everyone needs support sometimes.
- Reflect on how you respond when your child seeks help or guidance.