Post by Gale Coleman on Jun 18, 2017 22:23:20 GMT -8
1) Infant Scenario: Jamal is almost 10 months old and just entering the separation anxiety stage—when older babies or young toddlers resist separating from their primary caregiver. This is a normal part of growth and development and a milestone in social-emotional development that shows Jamal’s attachment to his mother. Jamal’s parents are concerned because he is now crying and clinging when his parents bring him in the morning. They are worried that something has happened to him since he didn’t act this way for the previous 4 months he’d been at your center.
I would explain to the parent that infants develop intense, loving attachments with their family members and caregivers at the child care center, there is a fear of separation from loved ones. It is common for babies at this stage of development to become distraught, cry, miserable and cling to their parents or caregivers when they leave them. Infants and young children have a fear of separating from loved ones and a new fear of strangers or when a stranger approaches them. So, when Jamal is crying and clinging when his parents bring him in the morning, it is because he is more than likely having separation anxiety from being separated from his parent and the care giver that has been taking care of him, and then add in the fear of new strangers. Children thrive in a well ordered and predictable environment, where daily routines such as arrivals and departures, mealtimes, nap times are dealt with consistently by all caregivers. If there is a sudden change in routine, or if a routine is disrupted, this can have a very negative effect on the child's behavior. Children will react by crying, screaming and tantrums, sometimes, the child will be inconsolable, and so these reactions are due to the increased stress, fear, and anxiety that arise due to changes in a familiar routine that make them feel less safe and secure.