“Attachment” is the two-dollar psych word for “love.” These kids have lost the loving company of their family & caretakers, with no warning, without understanding why. Further, they’ve been subjected to all kinds of abuse & neglect in the camps. As their unformed minds try to make sense of trauma, they will conclude that there’s something wrong with the caretakers, &/or something wrong with them, &/or something wrong with love.
Kids who are traumatized this early often end up unable to give or accept love. The joy & comfort of love, having been interrupted in such a terrible way, can no longer be trusted or relied on not to go away. Better not to try, is the conclusion such children draw.
They, & we, will be paying the price for a long time. Believe me, I know.
