Today, Lara sits down with Dr. Marissa Nivison, a Banting Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Calgary in the Determinants of Child Development Lab, to unpack one of the biggest questions parents carry (often silently): “Am I doing enough to build a strong bond with my child—and will it matter later?”

Marissa completed her PhD in Developmental Psychology at the University of Minnesota, where her research examined how early caregiving experiences and parent–child relationships shape emotional wellbeing and attachment across the lifespan. Today, her work continues to explore the “legacy” of early experiences—and what helps relationships stay resilient over time.

In today’s episode, Marissa breaks down what attachment really is (and what it isn’t), why it matters for your child’s future relationships, and how to spot common attachment myths that leave parents feeling anxious or “not good enough.” We talk about how our own childhood experiences can quietly influence the way we parent, and how to find that sweet spot between being too hands-off and too controlling—especially when you’re trying to raise a confident, capable kid without pushing too hard.

Most importantly, Marissa brings hope: even if the early years weren’t “ideal,” kids can still form strong, healthy relationships later in life—and parents can strengthen connection at any stage with the right moves.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your relationship with your child today could shape their confidence, emotions, and relationships tomorrow, this episode will leave you feeling informed, reassured, and equipped with practical ways to deepen the bond you’re building.

Meet our guest

Dr. Marissa Nivison is a Banting Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Calgary’s Determinants of Child Development Lab. Her work focuses on how early caregiving experiences and parent–child relationships influence wellbeing and attachment across the lifespan.

Resources & links

Learn more about Dr. Marissa Nivison: https://profiles.ucalgary.ca/marissa-nivison

Determinants of Child Development Lab (UCalgary): https://madiganlab.org/

Marissa Nivison (lab profile): https://madiganlab.org/team/marissa-nivison/

UCalgary news (Banting fellowship feature): https://ucalgary.ca/news/ucalgary-researchers-receive-banting-postdoctoral-fellowships-advance-health-research

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