Activity: The Velveteen Rabbit

Having had an interest in attachment theory and studying it previously I personally don't feel like this story quite explores attachment theory 🤷‍♀️

1. What does this story say about the importance of attachment?

The importance of attachment allows one to feel secure and safe.  It continues to say being familiar in your surrounding gives your confidence and comfortability - a sense of belonging, a sense of being useful and needed.

2. What might attachment theory say about the the rabbit and his relationship with the boy...or the boy and his relationship with the rabbit?

Rabbit and boy relationship - feeling needed, makes the rabbit feel wanted and special.  The rabbit feels he plays a significant part in the boys life.  Rabbit relies on this relationship, hoping it would last forever.

The attachment helps an individual to develop a sense of purpose through 'connectedness'. It can lead to certain behaviours or emotions. Therefore in the story of The Velveteen Rabbit, the rabbit formed an attachment with the boy because being real could help it to escape the fear of being forgotten in the toy cupboard.  At the same time the boy formed at attachment to the rabbit for he finds comfort in imagining the rabbit as his protector through illness then developed grief after they were separated. 

1. What does this story say about the importance of attachment?

The theory of secure attachment lets us be our true selves and not have to hide factors of ourselves we think people may not like. It helps us grow into stable adults, without self-doubt. 

2. What might attachment theory say about the rabbit and his relationship with the boy...or the boy and his relationship with the rabbit?

The boys gets the attention he needs to feel secure in himself.

1. What does this story say about the importance of attachment?

The story shows that strong attachment creates a sense of security and trust. Feeling loved and valued helps someone believe in themselves and in their relationships.

2. What might attachment theory say about the rabbit and his relationship with the boy, or the boy and his relationship with the rabbit?

From an attachment theory view, their relationship shows love, value, and consistent interaction. The Rabbit feels “real” through the Boy’s care, and the Boy finds comfort and security in the Rabbit’s presence.

1. What does this story say about the importance of attachment? 

The story shows that attachment helps us to feel valued and 'real'. The rabbit becomes real through the boy's love this is a metaphor for our identity being intrinsically linked to our relationships with other, particularly in this case, our primary caregiver.

2. What might attachment theory say about the the rabbit and his relationship with the boy...or the boy and his relationship with the rabbit?

Attachment theory would say that the rabbit's attachment style to the boy would likely be secure attachment. This is based on their trust, closeness, and how the rabbit seeks and receives comfort from the boy.

The story shows how love and connection give us a sense of safety that shapes who we are. The rabbit becomes real because he feels valued through the boys love. For the boy, the rabbit is a comfort object that gives him security and companionship. For the rabbit, the boy is his safe base, making him feel worthy. The bond between the two shows how secure attachemnt supports both sides.

I think this story shows that attachment is important because it creates a sense of safety and connection, which are vital elements of wellbeing and thriving. It shows us how the rabbit comes to life and understands his value and identity through the secure attachment he had with the boy.

The beautiful thing is the relationship seemed to be secure for both the rabbit and the boy so it was a mutually supportive attachment, although it supported them both in different ways.

Through the boys' love, the rabbit developed a greater understanding of life and himself. He flourished through the experience of being loved and valued and was able to believe in himself.

The boy found comfort, safety, connection and companionship for adventure and imaginative play through his attachment to the rabbit. This also speaks to the developmental stage children go through during the ages of approximately 3-7 years, where imagination is a pivotal element. Through his attachment to the rabbit and his imagination, he brings the rabbit to life, too, creating the possibility of his reality. Secure attachment also supports a child's natural development. 

I believe this story touches on the importance of attachment in the following ways: the attachment between the Velveteen Rabbit and his Boy was different for both of them but equally as important to each other. The Rabbit needed his secure attachment with the Boy to feel and identify as real. The Boy, on the other hand, needed his attachment to his Rabbit to feel secure in his sleep and play.  

Attachment Theory might say that the Rabbit's attachment to his Boy is like the Internal Working Model because the Rabbit felt worthy though his Boys love.

Whereas the Boy's attachment to his Rabbit shows a Secure Attachment Pattern because he was comforted by his presence before he got sick and then again when they we're "reunited".

The bond between the boy and the rabbit shows how important it is for a human to have a secure attachment, and how one can flourish when they feel safe and loved. 

The relationship benefited both boy and rabbit. The comfort that the boy had with the rabbit and the love that grew between them allowed the rabbit to become real. I have seen this with my own child, the connection with her cuddly toy and how (when she was younger) she believed it to be real, a real friend that she took everywhere and would talk to. Its very special. 

Listening to this story from a different perspective was interesting. The boys need to have something that signified safety. Maybe because the Nanny seemed detached & grumpy. And the rabbit wanting to please the boy but also feel a sense of belonging with the other toys.

Attachment theory applied to both child and rabbit. They needed each other, especially when the boy was sick. The boy having to let go of the rabbit was both sad but a life lesson. And lucky the magical world allowed the rabbit to become real and to feel more accepted with the real rabbits.

1. What does this story say about the importance of attachment?

The rabbit's attachment to the boy was just as important as the boys attachment to the rabbit. The story made me feel very connected to the rabbit and the magic that comes with the belief that something you love when your little can be real.

What might attachment theory say about the rabbit and his relationship with the boy...or the boy and his relationship with the rabbit?

The Rabbit and the boy both had a secure attachment to each other. There was love and compassion for each other in the story. Such a lovely story for the boy to remember his toy rabbit. The comfort it brought him and for the rabbit to become real

1. What does this story say about the importance of attachment?

This story shows that with a secure attachment, those involved can flourish.

2. What might attachment theory say about the the rabbit and his relationship with the boy...or the boy and his relationship with the rabbit?

In this instance, both the boy and the rabbit were benefactors of the relationship.  Through the secure attachment that formed, between the two, they were both supported to be emotionally stronger, grow in confidence and found an unconditional bond. 

1. That the attachment is very important to feel safe and confident within self.  Through love, affection and comfort a sense of belonging can be felt and with that identity. 

2. I could hear out a secure attachment style from the rabbit. He provided comfort and emotional support. The boys love and attendtion gave the rabbit emotional saftey and with that he could feel real and himself. 

A secure and loving upbringing gives you the confidence and stability to stand firmly on your own two feet.

The relationship with the boy and the rabbit, shows that the boy would love to stay attached to the rabbit for his entire life but it is important to let the rabbit go to become is own independent rabbit.

1; I think this story expresses the importance of attachment with in which the way the rabbit felt when he finally had a relationship with the boy, the rabbits life significantly changed, his emotions, attitude became positive and once he felt real (seen, heard and wanted), he felt his life was fulfilled, even though he was becoming ragity and torn. 

2: Within this story the boy appeared to have a healthy, secure attachment style, although he wanted his original favourite toy to come back for bedtime, he avoided a melt down, and felt content with his new rabbit. When the rabbit had to go, he did not react negatively to this, and again was happy with a new rabbit. While the rabbit appeared slightly anxious- attached to the boy, and would have clung on to the boy for the rest of his life if he could have. 

1. What does this story say about the importance of attachment?

I think the story says that we cannot grow into our true selves without the experience of being loved. Having an attachment makes us feel "real" and even a small amount can carry you for life.

2. What might attachment theory say about the the rabbit and his relationship with the boy...or the boy and his relationship with the rabbit?

I think the boy had a fairly secure attachment to the rabbit. In his eyes, it was a toy, something he would enjoy, care for, miss when it was gone but ultimately be fine in the world without. He was able to form other relationships to toys and had fond memories of the original Velveteen Rabbit. I think the rabbit was mildly anxiously attached. He often felt forgotten and craved attention, even putting up with discomfort in order to get it. 

1. I think it shows the value of having a secure attachment, feeling seen and comforted turned into a strong bond between them.

2. The rabbit felt happy and secure in his presence and the boy used that as a way to give himself a sense of security and safety during hard times.

1. What does this story say about the importance of attachment?

Through unconditional love, connection and care one or both parties can feel valued/real, develop a bond, have a sense of meaning, fulfillment and purpose in life that carries on to enable them to live happily independent later in life still feeling loved, meaningful and valued.

2. What might attachment theory say about the the rabbit and his relationship with the boy...or the boy and his relationship with the rabbit?

They developed a secure attachment and both needed each other equally to develop happiness, a bond, love, friendship, self fulfillment, validation and security in their lives.

1. What does this story say about the importance of attachment?

That 'being real' is almost like being seen. It takes one good relationship to be truly seen and "graduate" into the world and no matter who you become you will always remain what you were in the first place, even if the relationship changes.

2. What might attachment theory say about the rabbit and his relationship with the boy...or the boy and his relationship with the rabbit?

I think it says that the rabbit went from an anxious attachment style to a secure one. Starting off uncertain about his place among the other toys and what it means to be real but in the end realising that the positive relationship and recognition taught him how to 'be real' even before he got legs

This beautiful tale suggests that we each have the chance to flourish in life when we feel genuine love and support in our early years, and that the effects of this love can far surpass these times.

The boy and the rabbit could have each lived lives that were ordinary to them, but it wasn’t until they found each other that they created a supportive and mutually beneficial relationship that added meaning to their lives. The rabbit was honoured to be considered by the boy during their playing, and the rabbit provided solace and companionship to the boy during sleep, play, and through sickness. The kindness that this boy showed his rabbit built him up during times of anxious uncertainty about his identity, and showed him that to be loved by another soul is enough to be real, thus forming a secure attachment. Feeling loved by the boy helped the rabbit to believe he was worthy of this love, thus strengthening his beliefs about himself. 

1. Building solid foundations in the early stages of their relationship encourages being seen, heard, cared for and valued. Therefore, empowering each other to trust, feel secure and loved. 

2. It describes secure attachment, a strong bond displaying self-worth, confidence and the ability to develop individually. 

1. The story shows that the attachment its crucial for feeling safe and secure.

2. It shows that the boy can bond in a healthy way with attachment figures such as the bunny. IT helped him feeling safe. 

I think it can be interpreted as a metaphor for the fact that long, stable, secure relationships are a bit like magic.  They have a transformative power, and can impact our lives forever.  

What this story says about the importance of attachment is when the boy showed love and attachment to the rabbit, the rabbit developed self worth which develops a secure attachment to others, which was shown when he was abandoned, he focused on moving on and becoming a rabbit and building on new relationships with other rabbits.

1. What does this story say about the importance of attachment?

This story highlights the importance of loving accepting relationship in which to develop a secure attachment. When the rabbit first arrived, he was unsure about his new place. It wasn't until the boy spent time and developed his relationship with the rabbit that he became secure.

2. What might attachment theory say about the rabbit and his relationship with the boy...or the boy and his relationship with the rabbit?

The depth of love the boy has for the rabbit could indicate that the boy already has and is potentially capable of forming a secure attachment in close and loving relationships.

The rabbit's grief when he has to be separated from the boy after his illness can be linked to the forced separation in the study. The rabbit's eventual transformation reflects how having a secure attachment can help someone process loss and change more effectively. 

1. What does this story say about the importance of attachment?

The Velveteen Rabbit shows that being loved and cared for deeply  develops a sense of self worth.  Through the boys eyes the rabbit became real, showing how attachment shapes identity and emotional security.

2. What might attachment theory say about the the rabbit and his relationship with the boy...or the boy and his relationship with the rabbit?

Through the previous readings the importance of a secure base / secure attachment was mentioned.  I see the relationship between the rabbit and the boy as equally beneficial allowing them both to love, support and provide a safe space for them to become more confident and emotionally grow.

When the boy embraces the rabbit with his tender, loving care and unconditional love and attention (he’s shabby but beautiful to the boy) the “nursery magic” transforms the toy into a “real” rabbit. The nursery magic could be seen as “secure attachment”, the “real” rabbit develops a sense of identity and belonging, a positive sense of self (he feels inferior before he becomes real), he is “bursting “ with love himself. He has empathy and can return love, affection and hopefulness back to the boy when he is sick and is secure and resilient to navigate their short separation in the garden.

When he meets “real-life” rabbits he feels a longing of “wanting to dance”, a hint that there is more to come. Being eventually “discarded” does not break him. His “realness” to the boy will last forever and has prepared him for another transformation, becoming a “real-life rabbit”. He is now a fully independent being, able to explore the bigger world and connect with other “real-life” rabbits.

Secure attachment, as experienced by the rabbit, is foundational in the formation of a healthy sense of self, the ability to form caring and stable relationships, and gives a resilience to cope with life events. Through secure attachment one builds a solid base to eventually individuate, build fulfilling relationships and navigate life.

Attachment theory would say that the boy has experienced a secure attachment bond himself as he is able to love, care and consistently give affection to the rabbit, creating the "nursery magic" he experienced himself.  

1. What does this story say about the importance of attachment?  I think the story shows how healthy attachment comes from love, attention and feeling valued.  Through this comes a sense of wellbeing and comfort; a robust self-image, bravery, a feeling of being enough for just being you. 

2. What might attachment theory say about the the rabbit and his relationship with the boy...or the boy and his relationship with the rabbit?  I think the consistency, trust and mutual affection between the boy and the bunny gave them both a sense of security.  Based on attachment theory I would describe the one they shared as a secure attachment - the boy knew the bunny would be there when he needed him for comfort; and even when he grew shabby the bunny felt loved  by the boy no matter what. 

1. What does this story say about the importance of attachment?

The story shows that through consistent love, affection, attention and comfort an individual feels a sense of value, trust and belonging. These are all necessary for personal growth and development.

2. What might attachment theory say about the the rabbit and his relationship with the boy...or the boy and his relationship with the rabbit?

The secure attachment shows the rabbit has a positive impact on the boy’s life, he offers consistent comfort and love. The boy was able to turn to the rabbit in times of need and receive the comfort he desired.

The story shows how heart-warming and beneficial secure attachment was for both the bunny and the boy.  At first the bunny was concerned how different he was to the other toys and felt inferior but as the boy loved him, he began to stop worrying about his differences and how he looked.  The bunny was there for the boy through his illness and when the boy was ready he was able to feel safe to go out into the world without the rabbit. 
When securely attached we can grow into the best version of ourselves, ready to explore and be curious about the world around us.

1. That healthy attachment comes with love and self acceptance and it will allow the relationships and yourself to morph and grow.

2. I would say it was a healthy attachment especially since the boy wasn't extremely upset when he couldn't keep the rabbit but he was also happy when he was reminded of the bunny when he saw him alive and recognized him. 

1. The stories importance of attachment is conveyed through the love, comfort, afffection and playfulness the rabbit and boy have for each other. The story depicts how the importance of this kind of relationship helps a individual grow through different life events.

2. Attachment theory in the story of The Velveteen Rabbit is defined as secure attachment, the rabbit has a positive loving relationship with the boy. The rabbit feels a sense of belonging, love and affection, involvement in everyday activities and constant attention in their relationship. When the rabbit is left by himself in the garden he feels alone, sad, and wondering about the boys feelings and actions. But when the grandmother comes to find him by candle light because the boy can't go to sleep without him, the rabbit feels a sense of comfort and relief to be reunited with the boy.

1.The Velveteen Rabit compared himself to others and accepted that they are flashy things around him, but he waited for the right time to be chosen, and he believed what the horse told him about being real, He understood that how being truly loved, even being wear and tear gives us identity, meaning and belonging. He felt real through the love and emotional bond he shares with the boy. Attachment can transform both the giver and receiver which bring emotional warmth, safety, and sense of worth.

2.The boy learns to love and trust through this bond and that made the rabbit feel worthy of love and their relationship reflects the mutual need for connection and that's at the heart of healthy attachment. The boy forms secure attachment figure and through consistent care and love the rabbit gains a strong sense of self and emotional aliveness.

1. What does this story say about the importance of attachment?

It shows that a consistent, safe connection with one person is enough to create a solid foundation in ones self identity and self belief. 

2. What might attachment theory say about the the rabbit and his relationship with the boy...or the boy and his relationship with the rabbit?

That a secure attachment is shown between the boy and the rabbit, both providing comfort and love to one another. The boy allowed the rabbit to feel real and the rabbit provided support and healing to the boy, especially in his time of need

What does this story say about the importance of attachment? The velveteen rabbit shows us how small hopes can create something new magical in one's life. At the beginning this story we can see that the skin horse explained to the velveteen rabbit about being "real" with the right amount of guidance the rabbit got to experience his real self. There are small concepts of love, acceptance, positivity and hope that led to the importance of attachment. When we are attached to someone everything around us feels real, we are in a place surround by love that makes us feel true to ourselves. Just like the velveteen who felt real when the boy spoke life into him. Small gestures and words overtime became an attachment for the velveteen, portraying a special bond of attachment.  The rabbit became boy' comfort which drew an attachment between him and the velveteen rabbit. 

What might attachment theory say about the rabbit and his relationship with the boy...or the boy and his relationship with the rabbit? A secure attachment theory is shown in this story. We can see a special bond of which brought the boy and rabbit closer. This created a strong attachment between both of them as they became part of each other's life. 

1. What does this story say about the importance of attachment? the importance of attachment in this story is, that it helps with confidence, The Velveteen Rabbit was so sure that he was real, because what the boy spoke into his life. Speaking positively can help another excel.  

2. What might attachment theory say about the the rabbit and his relationship with the boy...or the boy and his relationship with the rabbit? the relationship between the rabbit and the boy showed comfort and love. It made the rabbit believe in what the boy was saying to him. He was real and noone else could take that away from him. the Rabbit was confident in who he was after spending so much time with him & the faith the boy had in the rabbit made him feel secure. 

1. What does this story say about the importance of attachment?

The Velveteen rabbit shows that love and attachment make us feel real and special. the rabbit becomes real because the boy loves rabbit so much. The story teaches that when someone truly cares of us it helps us grow better, feel important and loved. It gives us comfort, trust and strong connection. 

2. What might attachment theory say about the rabbit and his relationship with the boy...or the boy and his relationship with the rabbit?

Attachment theory says that strong, loving relationships help us feel safe and happy. So, rabbit feels loved and became real because the boy is always with him and helped when needed that's why rabbit is attached to the boy because of his care. At the same time the boy also feels safe and comfortable by the rabbit this shows the boy is also attached to the rabbit. According to my understanding the theory says their relationship is strong, loving and helps both feel secure and important. 

1.  If you feel connected and loved, you will grow.  There may be times that you don't feel too confident, however if you share these with a loved one or someone you trust you should overcome these feelings. When you are with someone you love and trust, you feel content.  You feel like things are possible, and that you will flourish.

2.  The boy's relationship with the rabbit brings him comfort.  He snuggles him at night, and it makes him feel safe.  As a parent/caregiver of a child we should be doing this as well.  Ensuring our children feel safe and loved - which is secure attachment.  The rabbit's presence helps the boy to feel secure.  Feeling secure and safe is essential in one's growth to feel content. The boy and the rabbit both loved each other very much.  Their love made the rabbit feel real, and the boy was always comforted by the rabbit's presence. Neither minded as the rabbit grew older and shabbier, as they could still feel the love. Gorgeous wee story.