The role of the mother is of great importance for the development of every child. This essay aims to focus on the mother's role in terms of sensitive and insensitive mothering (Ainsworth in Smith, Cowie & Blades, 2003) and how each influences the child socially and emotionally. We will explore Bowlby's attachment theory (Bowlby 1988) and look at Ainsworth's research regarding types of attachment (Ainsworth in Barnes, 1995). We will also examine Erikson's theory of psychosocial development (Erikson in Stevens, 1983) emphasizing the first phase. Finally, we will examine research conducted with children and adults to determine how early attachments impact social and emotional development. Sensitive motherhood refers to a mother who is sensitive towards her child, understands his needs and is willing to meet them. In contrast, callous mothering refers to a mother who puts her own needs before those of her child, often ignoring and/or neglecting him. Ainsworth (Sylva & Lunt, 1989) studied mothers' responses to their child and found that sensitive mothering fosters a secure attachment (Bowlby, 1988) between mother and child. In this case, the mother is seen as a secure base (Bowlby, 1988) who provides the child with the confidence to explore his environment. Insensitive mothering leads to insecure attachment (Bowlby, 1988) between mother and child, thus affecting the child's ability to explore and develop. Ainsworth & Bell (in Sylva & Lunt, 1989) state that the mother's sensitivity towards her child constitutes the basis for all future social and emotional development. One of the first to consider the mother-child bond was Bowlby who developed his evolutionary theory of attachment suggesting...... half of the article ......lypsychology.org/bowlby.html (access date 05 /05/14) McLeod, SA (2013) Erik Erikson [online], available from: http:/ /www.simplypsychology.org/Erik-Erikson.html (accessed 05/05/2014)McLeod, SA (2008) ) Mary Ainsworth [online], available from: http://www.simplypsychology.org/mary-ainsworth. html (accessed 05/05/2014) McLeod, SA (2009) Attachment Theory [online], available from: http://www.simplypsychology.org/attachment.html (accessed 05/05/14 )Montessori Center International (2013) Module 2 Child Development London: MCIMontessori Center International (2013) Study Skills London: MCISmith, P.K., Cowie, H., Blades, M. (2003, 4th edition) Understanding Children's Development Oxford: BlackwellStevens, R (1983) Erik Erikson Milton Keynes: Open University PressSylva, K. & Lunt, I. (1989) Child Development – ​​​​A First Course Oxford: Blackwell