09.11 Managing separation anxiety in children under 2 years old
Separation anxiety occurs when babies and toddlers do not feel securely attached to their key person. Taking steps to reduce anxiety and promote attachment is a priority task for the key person in partnership with the parents/carers.
Separation anxiety can be identified when signals are clearly understood by members of staff.
Distress in children produces high levels of corticosteroids (neurochemicals) which hinder brain functioning. It is detrimental for babies to experience prolonged distress. Signals include:
crying inconsolably for extended periods; causing coughing or difficulty to breath or vomiting
holding breath
head banging or rocking
ambivalent feelings towards the key person, i.e. wanting to be picked up then struggling free
frantic movement or lashing out with arms and legs
biting, tantrums and snatching from others.
jealousy shown towards other children in the key group
refusing food or drink or showing signs of digestive problems
temporary interest in toys or others, then crying again.
prolonged periods of sleep
switching off, staring blankly
anxiousness about who is coming in and out of a room, standing by the door for long periods
being held, but not responding or smiling
crying when the parent collects or cheering up and eager when parent collects
A picture of evidence builds up which may suggest that the baby/toddler is experiencing separation anxiety. This needs to be discussed with the parent/carer and a plan made to help the child settle.
The parent and key person discuss the reasons that the separation anxiety has developed or been made worse. It could be due to:
hurried settling-in due to pressures on parents/carers
inadequate settling in due to the key person being absent or the baby not being brought in each day to complete the settling-in plan
the key person’s absence during settling in period
changes of staff
part time attendance not allowing sufficient continuity for the baby to become familiar with the surroundings and to make an attachment to the key person
change of key person in the setting
changes at home – stress events in the family
baby’s illness
family having been away on holiday
previous distressing experiences with another setting
The goal of any plan is to ensure the child is secure through forming an attachment with the key person.
The settling in process is reviewed; if any aspect has been missed, this needs to be re-planned. This may include the need for the parent/carer to stay or find a close relative or friend whom the child feels safe with if the parent/carer cannot be there.
A baby who will be attending on a part-time basis will need to come in daily until he/she is familiar and beginning to settle.