Sensitive Responsiveness

Sensitive responsiveness is typically defined as the extent to which a parent is in-tune with a child’s emotional state, is able to decode those signals accurately, and able to respond appropriately and in a timely fashion (Ainsworth et al., 1978).

Simply put … if you sense that your child is in need respond as sensitively and appropriately as you are able to. Provide support and comfort when the child is upset, and encouragement and understanding when they are engaging in play and or exhibiting curiosity. 

The need may be as simple as having someone recognise that they’ve done something good and saying “well done…” or “thank you…”

Sensitive responsiveness is ‘showing up’