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 · Oct 2, 2025
Reflections on Stuckness
Stuckness is a hidden yet common issue in childhood. Gordon Neufeld outlines the signs and causes of Stuckness, and how adults can make a difference.…Read more
Lisa Weiner · Sep 6, 2025
Coming to Alpha Consciousness in Parenting
When her son grew bossy after Grandma’s visit, Lisa discovered how seeing alpha and dependent roles differently changed her parenting. Read more
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 keyn…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 — 20-day-old precious Buff Orpingtons, Australorps, and Rhode Island Reds. New to chicken farming, my husban…Read more