Who proposed that children require attachment during the first two years of life?

The proposal that children require attachment during the first two years of life is attributed to John Bowlby. He emphasized the significance of early emotional bonds in child development, famously articulating that a child's attachment to their primary caregiver plays a crucial role in their overall psychological health. Bowlby’s attachment theory posits that secure attachments formed in early childhood are essential for a child's emotional and social development. He suggested that these attachments provide a sense of security and a foundation upon which children can explore the world and develop independence, while also relating to others later in life. This emphasis on the first two years is critical, as Bowlby believed that disruptions during this period could have lasting effects on a child's emotional and social capacities. His work laid the groundwork for understanding the importance of nurturing bonds in early childhood and continues to inform practices in education and childcare today.