The Power of Presence in the First 3 Years: Motherhood and Attachment with Erica Komisar
Dam Parenting4 Jun 2025

The Power of Presence in the First 3 Years: Motherhood and Attachment with Erica Komisar

Listener Note: This episode discusses parenting perspectives that some may find traditional or may trigger feelings of mum guilt. Please listen with care and take what serves you — it’s okay to skip or pause if needed.

In this episode, we delve into the insights of Erica Komisar, a licensed clinical social worker, psychoanalyst, and author renowned for her work on the emotional needs of children and the pivotal role of parental presence. With over 30 years of experience in private practice, Erica has become a leading voice in discussions about attachment theory and child development.

Erica's perspective emphasises the critical importance of a mother's physical and emotional presence during the first three years of a child's life—a period she identifies as foundational for healthy emotional development. Her book, Being There: Why Prioritizing Motherhood in the First Three Years Matters, explores this concept in depth, offering guidance for parents navigating the complexities of early childhood care.

This episode is dedicated to mothers who may feel overwhelmed, questioning, or in need of affirmation. It's a reminder that seeking support and understanding is a strength, and that every parent's journey is valid and deserving of respect.


What You'll Learn:

  • The foundational principles of attachment theory and its relevance to early childhood development.

  • Insights from Erica's research on the impact of maternal presence in the first three years.

  • Discussion on the societal pressures faced by modern mothers and how to navigate them.

  • Strategies for building a supportive community and finding balance in parenting roles.


Resources:


Connect with Us:

Episoder(185)

Welcoming a Second Baby: Helping Your Oldest Child Adjust with Confidence and Calm with Faye from Kerr Psychology

Welcoming a Second Baby: Helping Your Oldest Child Adjust with Confidence and Calm with Faye from Kerr Psychology

Bringing home baby number two is a big moment — not just for you, but for the little one who’s about to become a big sibling. This highly requested episode dives into what parents can do to guide thei...

26 Nov 202530min

OPOL Explained: One Parent One Language — Myth, Magic or Pressure? with Mimi

OPOL Explained: One Parent One Language — Myth, Magic or Pressure? with Mimi

Is OPOL — One Parent, One Language — really the “gold standard” for raising bilingual kids, or just another parenting myth that sounds good on paper?In this episode, Eva sits down with linguist and mu...

19 Nov 202519min

Interdependence vs. Independence: Building Stronger Partnerships Abroad

Interdependence vs. Independence: Building Stronger Partnerships Abroad

Living abroad often forces families to walk a fine line between independence and interdependence — between “I’ve got this” and “we’ve got this.”In this episode, host Eva sits down again with Angela fr...

12 Nov 202519min

Leaving the Netherlands: Identity, Grief & Finding Home Again

Leaving the Netherlands: Identity, Grief & Finding Home Again

Leaving a country isn’t just logistical — it’s emotional. This episode explores grief, identity shifts, and what “home” really means after life abroad.Leaving is never easy — not for those who go, and...

5 Nov 202526min

How Social Media Fuels Parenting Perfectionism with Faye

How Social Media Fuels Parenting Perfectionism with Faye

Comparison culture affects parents deeply. This episode explores how social media shapes expectations — and how to protect your mental health.In this episode, child psychologist Faye Poole joins Eva t...

29 Okt 202518min

Two Parents, Multiple Motivations: Raising a Multilingual Child Together with Mimi

Two Parents, Multiple Motivations: Raising a Multilingual Child Together with Mimi

Even aligned parents have different motivations. This episode explores compromise, communication, and shared intention in multilingual parenting.What happens when two parents share one child… but not ...

22 Okt 202521min

Hallowe'en 2025 in Amsterdam with Samira from Amsterdam Kids

Hallowe'en 2025 in Amsterdam with Samira from Amsterdam Kids

Halloween is just around the corner — and the Netherlands is getting spook-tacular! This week, Samira from Amsterdam Kids joins us to share her top picks for family-friendly Halloween fun — from pumpk...

17 Okt 20256min

Your Herfstvakantie Guide — with Samira from Amsterdam Kids

Your Herfstvakantie Guide — with Samira from Amsterdam Kids

It’s Herfstvakantie — the week every Dutch parent remembers that “autumn break” actually means a full week of keeping the kids entertained while it rains horizontally.This week, Samira from Amsterdam ...

15 Okt 202512min

Populært innen For unge lyttere

min-barneoppdragelse
vitnemal
foreldreradet
er-det-noe-liv-med-nora-angeltveit
snipp-snapp-snute
gravid-uke-for-uke
rss-the-molvar-maurstads
rss-maren-mina
jordmorpodden-om-graviditet-fodsel-og-barseltid
plutselig-barneteater
rss-trygg-av-natur
fodselspodden
rss-det-ma-vi-snakke-om
rss-fertilitetsradet
uroskolen
velvarepodden-din-guide-til-positiv-endring
rss-ung-dum-mamma
babyverden
trening-etter-fodsel
fodepodden