temper tantrums and child seperation anxiety disorder

[Erika]

Ever since I started working after school my 18 month old daughter has been throwing tantrums and fits.  She wants everything but when I give her somthing she asked for she refuses to take it.  She has trouble sleeping at night.  She cries and doesn't want to go with anyone and at times she doesn't even want to come with me.  I get off of school around 3:00 and go straight to work.  I don't get out until 10:30pm.  When I am off i spend as much time as possible with her.  She even goes to daycare and she doesn't act like that then only when it's time for me to go to work.  What is causing her to be that way?  What can I do to help her?

[Lisadu]

A related discussion, Step Daughters having major problems was started.

[mberger]

A related discussion, Seperation anxiety was started.

[Paul Eshleman]

My 7 year old boy has been diagnosed with seperation anxiety disorder. The psycologist has suggested paxil as part of the treatment. Any thoughts or information on this drug and how it would help my child would be appreciated. Just want to get another point of view on it.

                     thank you
                    
                     Paul Eshleman

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Dear Erika,

Your daughter is likely developing what is often referred to as an ambivalent attachment to you. She is not able to be with you for consistent periods which are sufficient to develop comfort and trust that you will be able to meet her needs. Thus, your presence induces anxiety in her. Children require consistent, available nurturing in the early years and it may be questionable whether you are able to provide her with this, given the nature of your schedule. It's not a good situation if you don't really have time to be avaialble to her. I'm aware that what I am saying might be difficult to hear, but it's a very important issue if your daughter is to develop normally.