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Child Behavior Community
This patient support community is for discussions relating to child behavior, discipline (behavior management), parent-child communications, and social development.
sudden seperation anxiety
by Jeri27, Jan 28, 2008 11:41AM
My 4 1/2 year old is suddenly refusing to go anywhere or do anything if a parent isn't with her. She is normally a very outgoing, fun, and socially eager child. This has been going on for three 1/2 weeks. She won't go to school, dance, Sunday school, or even friends houses. None of these are new activities for her and they total only 6 hours a week away from home. I am totally baffled! She says she will "miss us (Mom or Dad) too much" or that she is "too tired". I have left her at pre school screaming and kicking (one time she ran out of the school and chased me on foot) but I can't do that at any other activity. She calmed down after 10 minutes and eventually participated in the school day. I have tried to have her go to an activity with a comfort object (favorite stuffed animal), sent a family picture with her, and we have had lots of "power talks/stories" trying to get her to help me understand what she is truly afraid of. I have read every parenting book I own and this behavior seems unusual for her age. I have gone over the last month and there have been no major changes in her life and she hasn't been in any situation where I feel she could have been harmed by anyone. She has a late birthday and I have debated sending her to Kindergarten next year. Is this a sign that she isn't emotionally ready? (She is already reading and is a foot taller than everyone her age. I have been told by many people ie. teachers, MD, and school counselor that she is ready to start Kindergarten next year) If she won't go to a scheduled activity and I can't leave her there uspet, then she has to come home and have quiet time in her room for the length of that activity. She goes to her room without complaint and stays there quietly until I come get her. Is this the best responce? Is there a better way to respond? How long do I let this go on until I get professional help? I don't want to over react but this is so out of character for her. I am at a total loss of what to do. HELP!
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