Factors that Contribute to Separation Anxiety
Understanding Separation Issues in Preschool Children
Sep 3, 2008
Separation anxiety is a normal developmental stage in a preschool aged child characterized by anxiety as a result of being separated from a primary caregiver. Children in daycare may become anxious, nervous, or scared upon separation from a parent. Anxiety behaviors in preschool aged children can range from simply crying when a parent leaves to becoming physically ill.
Parents Contribute to Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety may be heightened because of a parent’s anxiety and/or reaction to leaving the child at preschool. Parents often unknowingly contribute to separation anxiety and separation anxiety disorder, says clinical psychologist Dr. Erik Fisher.
“To some parents it feels nice to have a close bond with their child so much that they feel an internal sense of gratification when their child does not want them to leave, and many times there are almost unconscious ways that a parent contributes to their child’s anxieties,” explains Dr. Fisher [email interview, August, 2008].
Children can sense their parents' anxieties and subtle reactions which can feed separation anxiety issues. Shannon Ayers, assistant research professor at the National Institute for Early Education Research, suggests parents remain positive and upbeat about the experience. If a parent is expressing anxiety about the situation the childcare provider should talk with the parent about his or her fears.
Lack of Attachment and Fear of the Unknown
Preschool aged children may also exhibit signs of separation anxiety if they lack a strong attachment to parents. Dr. Fisher explains that if children don’t feel secure and the parent is emotionally or physically unavailable, this can contribute. In addition, Dr. Fisher comments that some children may misbehave to see of their parents can be called back to get them. In addition if the child has gone through a merry-go-round of daycare providers and preschools, this may contribute to separation anxiety.
Concern for the unknown may also heighten separation anxiety and can be lessened by visiting the school or role playing the routines/schedule at home.
“Young children do not understand time the way adults do so although they may understand that the parent is coming back, when may be a question. The parent can practice leaving for short times and build up longer intervals so the child begins to feel confident in the return of the parent,” says Ayers.
Factors that Contribute to Separation Anxiety
There are some common factors that may contribute to separation anxiety in preschool children according to Jennifer Brackett, intervention specialist for Little Sprouts. These factors are:
- Tiredness
- Minor or major illness
- Changes in home routine
- Changes in the family such as, birth of a sibling, divorce, death or illness
- Change in caregiver or routine at day care
If your child is experiencing crying and clinging at drop off time, transition times throughout the day, or at pick-up time, he or she may be experiencing separation anxiety. Unless the symptoms your child is experiencing are severe or prolonged, there is no need to worry as this is a normal part of development.
