Editorials by Dr. Gordon Neufeld and the faculty

Our editorials offer insights from Dr. Gordon Neufeld and faculty, applying attachment-based developmental science to the pressing issues of our time. These writings help parents, educators, and professionals navigate complex topics with clarity, wisdom, and a deep understanding of human development.

Gordon Neufeld · May 25, 2025
Long Live Shyness!
Gordon Neufeld reframes shyness as a natural gift of attachment, not a disorder. Learn why shyness matters, how it differs from social anxiety, and w…Read more
Gordon Neufeld · Jan 8, 2025
Neufeld on When Attachments Fail
Some New Year’s ruminations ... I was told by some of our Neufeld Institute staff that our newsletter subscribers might appreciate hearing from m…Read more
Lisa Weiner · Dec 5, 2024
The Light of Connection: food, light & the shoe pile
My sons were often the only Jewish children in their classes, given that Portland, Oregon has a relatively small Jewish population. Like parents in …Read more
Tamara Strijack · Oct 15, 2024
Restless: What’s behind the stories of anxiety, attention problems and adrenaline-seeking?
What do anxiety, attention problems, bullying, and adrenaline-seeking all have in common? Although these stories all seem to be coming from a differe…Read more
Gordon Neufeld · Sep 10, 2024
Neufeld Rants on Empathy
A very long time ago it seems, I gave a talk called Cultivating Caring Children. I loved that material. More recently I had the opportunity to keyno…Read more
Tamara Strijack · Jun 19, 2024
Creating Safe Spaces: How Pretend Play Supports Child Development
The Art of Creating Space & the Magic of Pretend: Let me introduce you to Mister Rogers and Mister Dressup. Perhaps they need no introduction, es…Read more
Guest Contributor · May 8, 2024
Hatching Resilience // by Heather Ferguson
Some of our first pets were baby chicks — twenty-day-old precious Buff Orpingtons, Australorps, and Rhode Island Reds. New to chicken farming, my hu…Read more
Gordon Neufeld · Feb 28, 2024
Neufeld on Why I capitalize Nature
I keep waiting for someone to ask me this. Not even when writing Hold On To Your Kids, over 20 years ago now, did anyone ask me – not my editors or …Read more
Gordon Neufeld · Jan 9, 2024
Neufeld on Endless Beginnings
'Tis the season of beginnings, most obviously of a new cycle of time of course. This often comes with some attempts at fresh starts and renewed reso…Read more