Signs Of Separation Anxiety In Children
In very young children separation anxiety is the normal response to separation from mother or being approached by strangers.
The average stage of development occurs in children between 8 and 14 months of age, as the child is beginning to distinguish between everyday caregivers and people they do not know.
The child is learning that objects or people do not disappear, a development otherwise known as object permanence.
Children express their anxiety through inconsolable crying.
A new care taker can help alleviate the anxiety by distracting the child or engaging the child in play.
Here are some tips for dealing with separation anxiety in young children: - Allow a child to spend time with a new person while the parent is available - Introduce new people and places gradually, for example, visit a new preschool with the child - Create an exit ritual.
Say goodbye to the child in a pleasant and firm manner Anxiety becomes troublesome when the behavior extends beyond the age of two.
If two or more symptoms are present, consult a pediatrician for diagnosis.
Stress can aggravate a child's anxiety.
Types of stress may include a change in situation or environment such as divorce or moving, loss of a loved one or pet, or an over-protective parent.
An over-protective parent can unconsciously relay stress about separation to an emotionally sensitive child.
The most problematic symptoms are: - Excessive worry and anxiety about the loss of a loved one - Heightened concern about being lost or kidnapped - Refusal or hesitancy about attending school or day care - Repeated nightmares about the loss of a loved one - Recurrent physical complaints, such as a headache or stomach ache, when separation is experienced or anticipated A parent should respectfully listen to a child's fears.
Mocking the child or asking the child to ignore their own fears is counter-productive to assisting a child with coping with their anxiety.
Separation anxiety may not be a concern to the parent, however the fear is very real to the child and should not be dismissed as a nuisance.
Talk to the child about the issue and remind the child of successfully getting through times of separation from the parent.
Encourage the child in activities of interest away from the parent.
Praise the child's efforts, such as, going to bed or school or visiting friends to continue developing healthy relationships away from the parent.
When separation anxiety becomes problematic a therapist or counselor can offer assistance and support for both child and parent.
Talk therapy has been proven to be an effective tool in coping with such anxiety.
Family counseling has also shown to have benefits for a child suffering as well.
Medication is often considered to be a last resort treatment, but should medication be necessary parental support is an absolute.
Parents willing to deal with the issue rather than ignore the child's fears, have a far better chance at resolving the anxiety positively and effectively.
It is as necessary for the parent to find support while coping, as it is assisting the child in recovering.
There are many, many resources available to assist a parent and child throughout this difficult process.
Parents are strongly encouraged to educate themselves about their child's separation anxiety and seek out the best possible solution for parent and child.
The average stage of development occurs in children between 8 and 14 months of age, as the child is beginning to distinguish between everyday caregivers and people they do not know.
The child is learning that objects or people do not disappear, a development otherwise known as object permanence.
Children express their anxiety through inconsolable crying.
A new care taker can help alleviate the anxiety by distracting the child or engaging the child in play.
Here are some tips for dealing with separation anxiety in young children: - Allow a child to spend time with a new person while the parent is available - Introduce new people and places gradually, for example, visit a new preschool with the child - Create an exit ritual.
Say goodbye to the child in a pleasant and firm manner Anxiety becomes troublesome when the behavior extends beyond the age of two.
If two or more symptoms are present, consult a pediatrician for diagnosis.
Stress can aggravate a child's anxiety.
Types of stress may include a change in situation or environment such as divorce or moving, loss of a loved one or pet, or an over-protective parent.
An over-protective parent can unconsciously relay stress about separation to an emotionally sensitive child.
The most problematic symptoms are: - Excessive worry and anxiety about the loss of a loved one - Heightened concern about being lost or kidnapped - Refusal or hesitancy about attending school or day care - Repeated nightmares about the loss of a loved one - Recurrent physical complaints, such as a headache or stomach ache, when separation is experienced or anticipated A parent should respectfully listen to a child's fears.
Mocking the child or asking the child to ignore their own fears is counter-productive to assisting a child with coping with their anxiety.
Separation anxiety may not be a concern to the parent, however the fear is very real to the child and should not be dismissed as a nuisance.
Talk to the child about the issue and remind the child of successfully getting through times of separation from the parent.
Encourage the child in activities of interest away from the parent.
Praise the child's efforts, such as, going to bed or school or visiting friends to continue developing healthy relationships away from the parent.
When separation anxiety becomes problematic a therapist or counselor can offer assistance and support for both child and parent.
Talk therapy has been proven to be an effective tool in coping with such anxiety.
Family counseling has also shown to have benefits for a child suffering as well.
Medication is often considered to be a last resort treatment, but should medication be necessary parental support is an absolute.
Parents willing to deal with the issue rather than ignore the child's fears, have a far better chance at resolving the anxiety positively and effectively.
It is as necessary for the parent to find support while coping, as it is assisting the child in recovering.
There are many, many resources available to assist a parent and child throughout this difficult process.
Parents are strongly encouraged to educate themselves about their child's separation anxiety and seek out the best possible solution for parent and child.
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