Canadian developmental psychologist Dr. Gordon Neufeld, co-author of the bestselling “Children Need Us,” is raising concerns about the impact of modern life on children’s development. Neufeld, alongside Canadian doctor Gabor Maté, highlights how factors such as the pandemic, social division, and ongoing mental health challenges are significantly shaping childhood experiences.
His primary concern is the increasing risk of detachment among children. Neufeld argues that the greatest threat isn’t technological advancements, educational systems, or global instability – but the diminishing importance of secure attachment. He observes that children in Western societies are becoming increasingly disconnected from the adults who should provide care.
Instead, peers, algorithms, and the pressures of daily life are shaping their upbringing. Neufeld has dedicated over 40 years to understanding the emotional needs of children and emphasizing the crucial role of attachment in their development. He works with parents, educators, and professionals to illuminate these deeper needs and the significance of a secure bond in a child’s formative years.
