Children need to be safe and supported Recently, commentators have linked the breakdown of the traditional family to a variety of society's ills, from teenage binge drinking to the London riots. This month we've had Child Protection Week, followed by Foster Care Week -- alerting us to the fact that many children are casualties of families that can't cope. Research tells us that how we interact with children during the first few years of their lives can determine how they learn and behave for the rest of their lives. Studies show that neglect, stress and trauma in early life can have long-lasting and severe effects on children throughout their lives. With the right support, children can recover from early life trauma, but it becomes difficult if they continue to be exposed to a distressing home life. Advertisement There is strong evidence that children who feel a secure attachment to a sensitive and responsive adult early in life relate better with their peers, have fewer behavioral problems and are more able to cope with the challenges life throws at them. With the modern family taking an increasing range of shapes and sizes it's important to acknowledge that this secure attachment children need in early life doesn't just take one form. Children can get the love and nurturing they need from a single parent, or a same-sex couple or a stepparent. If there is an adult in a child's life who is consistently present and able to meet his or her emotional