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Child Behavior (Expert Forum)
6 1/2 year old seperation anxiety
Answered by
Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D. - Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, Family Therapy, Crisis Intervention
Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates
This forum is for questions and support regarding child behavior issues such: Child Discipline (behavior management), Normal Child Development, Parent-Child Communications, Social Development
6 1/2 year old seperation anxiety
by jody, Nov 30, 2000 12:00AM
my son is going to be seven in january. he has been going to
first grade since july 31,2000. Right before he went off track
he began crying about staying at school, when I leave to go to
the store and when I leave him with a very familiar sitter (even
with his siblings at home with him.) this is extremely uncommon
for him. He has always been very secure with every thing that he
does. I'm to the point that im having to push him out the van at
school and forcing him inside when i leave the home. Could I
please get some advice on how to handle this situation in a posi-
tive manner with out making his situation worse?
thankyou,
Jody
first grade since july 31,2000. Right before he went off track
he began crying about staying at school, when I leave to go to
the store and when I leave him with a very familiar sitter (even
with his siblings at home with him.) this is extremely uncommon
for him. He has always been very secure with every thing that he
does. I'm to the point that im having to push him out the van at
school and forcing him inside when i leave the home. Could I
please get some advice on how to handle this situation in a posi-
tive manner with out making his situation worse?
thankyou,
Jody
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D., Nov 30, 2000 12:00AM
, Nov 30, 2000 12:00AM
Dear Jody,
You are doing the correct thing by having your son attend school and not indulging his wish to remain with you. This is quite important, because you don't want to reinforce the behavior by allowing him to avoid school.
Now, the unusual feature in your son's instance is that this behavior is persisting. Generally, it wanes after a number of days or, at most, weeks. It would be worth checking with the school guidance counselor and, beyond this, considering an evaluation by a pediatric mental health professional who can evaluate your son and offer you guidance.
You are doing the correct thing by having your son attend school and not indulging his wish to remain with you. This is quite important, because you don't want to reinforce the behavior by allowing him to avoid school.
Now, the unusual feature in your son's instance is that this behavior is persisting. Generally, it wanes after a number of days or, at most, weeks. It would be worth checking with the school guidance counselor and, beyond this, considering an evaluation by a pediatric mental health professional who can evaluate your son and offer you guidance.
