For our fourth episode of Talking Child Development, I talk to Dr. Susan Emmett, Senior Lecturer and
Program Coordinator in Early Childhood at Federation University Victoria. Susan is also a member of the
executive committee of the Association of Child and Family Development. Susan has been involved in
early childhood education and research for over 30 years.

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In the episode, she explains that a primary source of resilience, characterised by a strong sense of self-
worth and self-competence is the child’s access to a sensitive, responsive, and trustworthy adult

relationship. The infant and child’s secure attachment to a caregiver or educator can be viewed as a
significant protective factor that supports emotional wellbeing and healthy personality development as
well as social adjustment and cognitive acuity.