Research shows that early attachments have a vital influence on brain development.  Children thrive on early attachments when they feel secure and safe and these attachments can make a huge difference in how their brains grow and work.  Children who receive warm and responsive caregiving and are securely attached to their caregivers cope with difficult times more easily when they are older.  They are more curious, get along better with other children, and perform better in school than children who are less securely attached.  Children who receive consistent warm and responsive care produce less of the stress hormone, cortisol, and when they do become upset, they turn off their stress reaction more quickly. This suggests that they are better equipped to respond to life's challenges.