Have you ever asked yourself “Why do children do that?” or “What will my child do next?” Child development experts at Sanford Children’s may be able to help answer your child development questions. As the community outreach arm of Sanford Children’s, CHILD Services’ staff are able to connect the many resources of Sanford Children’s and the community together to meet the needs of children and families. Through services and information, trained staff are available to assist parents, child care providers and early childhood teachers in obtaining information on children’s development. To access all services contact us at (605) 333-0698 or email childsrv@sanfordhealth.org |
Fear of separation from a significant person first occurs between six to twelve months when the infant begins to be able to differentiate between people. Once the child understands that the significant person will return, separation anxiety begins to disappear.
Helping young children master separation combines the recognition of a child's ability to cope with the separation and find comfort in the thought of the significant adult returning.
Separation anxiety is caused by the infant realizing an adult is significant to him or her. At the same time, the infant cannot comprehend that the adult will return. The infant is still at the "out of sight, out of mind" stage. Separation anxiety can cause bedtime problems in infants and toddlers.
The first experiences of separation are important as they set the foundation for later separations such as starting school. Initial comfort that offers the child a sense of security helps the child with the separation process. Sometimes security items such as blankets, stuffed animals, and special toys help a child cope with separation.
It is essential to let the child experience the feelings of fear and unhappiness. Denying the child the right to feel may create more unsuccessful separation experiences later. Advance preparation may help infants and toddlers deal better with separation.
Daily routines provide a sense of security and can help lessen the intensity of the feelings involved in separation
Separation anxiety is only encouraged when the parent continues to return to comfort the crying child. Successful separation is mastered through experience. To protect the child from the experience is to deny him or her the chance to feel successful at the time or in future situation, such as school or camp.
Developed with funding from South Dakota Department of Social Services’ Office of Child Care Services and the Bush Foundation in cooperation with South Dakota Children’s of Sioux Valley Hospital and USD Medical Center.
7/28/2008