Discussion: Age-Appropriate Infant Scenario * Module 2 Page 24 (12/13)

6/4/2016

41 Comments

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Please read the scenario, then discuss the following questions:

Do you think this behavior or expectation is age-appropriate?
If so, how could you explain this to the parents/co-workers?
Is there anything you can do to prevent this situation from happening again?

Infant Scenario:
Jamal is almost 10 months old and just entering the separation anxiety stage—when older babies or young toddlers resist separating from their primary caregiver. This is a normal part of growth and development and a milestone in social-emotional development that shows Jamal’s attachment to his mother. Jamal’s parents are concerned because he is now crying and clinging when his parents bring him in the morning. They are worried that something has happened to him since he didn’t act this way for the previous 4 months he’d been at your center.

41 Comments

Jenny Khalema

9/28/2018 03:19:46 pm

Yes, the behavior is age appropriate because the baby knows his parents.
I would explain that this is a milestone in this age group and it means that the child is developing well for his age.
I would provide reliability and consistency for this child so he can know what to expect when he comes to daycare.

Katie Norbie

9/28/2018 04:30:26 pm

In my experience 10 months old is a common age for children to experience separation anxiety.
I would explain to Jamal's parents that as his brain develops he is becoming increasingly aware of his surroundings which sometimes results in heightened stress during transitions and is nothing to be alarmed about as it shows he has developed a healthy relationships with his family.
To ease Jamal's transitions during this time I would encourage his parents to bring a favorite cuddly toy or blanket from home for him to have at day care. It is also helpful for the parents to show confidence in the care provider when the child is present as it will make him feel more secure.
Reminding the child on the way to day care of the fun things he does there can also be helpful even if Jamal doesn't understand everything being said. Talking about the care providers and other children at day care with excitement before drop off time help promote a sense of enthusiasm for what is about to take place.
I have also noticed that brief, but meaningful goodbyes are preferable to prolonged ones as drawing out a goodbye during the transition from parent to day care care provider gives the child a sense of uncertainty about who is in charge and will meet the child's needs.
The care provider can help ease the separation anxiety by showing support and friendliness to the parents and offering Jamal any favorite toys, songs or activities he enjoys.

Padmshree Roy

9/29/2018 01:48:12 pm

Separation anxiety is normal at this age and we need to show the parents what is separation anxiety and also tell them , this is normal and expected development and positive behavior,

Kendra Londo

9/29/2018 01:48:16 pm

This is a compelely age appropriate reaction at 10 months old. Reassuring Jamals parents that separation anxiety will get better and that he is being taken care of when left, will help the parents to relax and transition as well.
Having Jamal dropped off to the same teacher everyday in a welcoming enviroment will help the childs anxiety be soothed with a stable enviroment.

Cameo Nicole Bodey

9/29/2018 03:08:41 pm

1. This behavior is normal, age- appropriate and is not a red flag or concerning behavior.
2. I would explain to parents and coworkers that this is a normal milestone in the child's development and that he will grow out of it in time. I would assure the parents that he will be carefully looked after throughout the day. He will be nurtured and that this will pass. I would let them know that they are welcome to call or show up during the day at any time to check on him and make sure he's on.
3. In the future, I could nip this is the bud by having literature regarding this milestone to give to the parents before the behavior started.

Mary Lord

11/14/2018 09:22:00 am

I totally agree with these statements. I love the idea of providing parents with the information regarding infants and the many milestones they will be experiencing and reinforce the fact to them that this is normal for a child of his age to begin to display this behavior at drop off. In my experience with children this age and older who react this way at drop off is that they recover quickly once the parents are gone and get busy with play. I would explain this to the parents and reassure them that he will be nurtured and loved by myself and staff. I would make sure I had some extra time to spend with him at drop off to help his transition and give him lots of reassuring cuddles and loves and when he's calmed down I would begin to distract him with play.

sahar

9/29/2018 04:08:45 pm

I will show love and keep nurturing to kid and make a communication with parents to let know that its normal behaviour

Briana Owes

9/29/2018 07:02:34 pm

This is normal behavior for this stage in the infants development. I would explain to the parents that it is because in this stage of developments infants tend to create strong bonds with their parents and primary caregivers. This is a sign of a healthy relationship. I would insure the parents that I will comfort the infant until they are calm again and ready to play with their friends.

Hailey

11/6/2018 02:14:30 pm

I agree, just explain to them that it is completely normal for their age and assure the parents that you will do anything you can to make the child comfortable. Usually once the parent has left it doesn't take long for the child to become comfortable and start playing.

Madison Merrill

9/30/2018 03:19:32 pm

1. Yes, I do think this is expected at this age.
2. Infants are getting used to familiar faces like Mom or Dad's faces and may react when separated from them. They like familiar and secure faces and surroundings. 3 of my 4 kids went through separation anxiety at some point in their lives. 2 at this age in infancy and the other when beginning kindergarten.
3. There may not always be a way to prevent it but there is a way to help ease the transition of being dropped off like keeping the same, friendly familiar faces in the classroom, not lots of turnovers from staff. Also, making the classroom feel safe and fun so the child wants to be there and is excited to come every day.

Nicole Z

11/16/2018 04:13:29 pm

I agree with you Madison! I have also experienced similar situations with children at that age being hesitant to leave their parents during drop-off. I know that this is appropriate for the child to behave in this manner because it shows that he is developing special and necessary bonds with his parents. I also agree with your ideas for ways to ease his transition by keeping his schedule consistent: drop-off time, pick-up, less turnover staff, etc. One more thing I would add, however, is if allowed, Jamal could being a small comfort item from home for him to be comforted with. We could also find ways of reassuring him that his parents are coming back to pick him up.

Solita J Nichols

9/30/2018 03:23:57 pm

This is normal and the child is needing to form other attatchments. Leaving the child there will help them learn that it is ok and that their parent will come back.

chelsea

9/30/2018 08:29:32 pm

Yes, perfectly normal behavior.

diana

10/1/2018 02:08:15 am

I try to explain to the family that some children, when they get more understanding, like to be more at home with their parents and they are more dependent on them, and I convinced them that there would be no problem for their child and for Whether their minds are involved in thinking about their child after a few I call them and I will report their child's work after an hour.

bhargavi

10/1/2018 02:52:53 pm

separation anxiety is normal at this age and it is very hard for parents too. both sides needs some time tough, i will try my best to help a child and talk to parents,maybe updating his condition during the day to fell better for parents

Kelsey Glacken

10/1/2018 06:47:53 pm

1. Yes because the child is starting to form attachments and is showing a natural attachment to their parents.

2. I would explain that the child is forming new attachments and bonds and that that's a good milestone. It is normal and it is nothing to be concerned or worried about.

3. I would keep showing them love and try to bond with the child as much as possible to ease the pain of the separation issues the child is facing.

Jessica Burrowes

10/1/2018 07:08:31 pm

It is a normal milestone that every child goes through. It shows the relationship between child and parent and its also the child testing the parent to see how far they can go, which is completely normal as well. I would explain to the parents that every child goes through this, its completely normal. I would show the caring and compassion towards both the parents and the child and make the transition easier by disracting the child with another activity

dennis earl Mcdonald

10/2/2018 10:58:22 pm

I do believe that Jamal's separation anxiety is developmentally appropriate for his age. I would explain to the family that this is a milestone that all children around this age go through. Although there may not be anything in particular that can cure the situation we could come up with strategies in order to ease his transitions from his parents leaving. Things such as having the parents getting him involved in an activity or a favorite toy that way he is engaged. We can also talk about how to make drop off time as quick as possible. I can also send pictures after they leave to show that he is calm down and engaged back into what's going on in the classroom.

Ceria Blue

11/4/2018 06:09:50 pm

The behavior is appropriate for the child because they are entering the developmental stage of separation anxiety. I would begin by telling this to his parents and also explaining that it isn't anything we have don't personally to him. I would try to change this behavior by having the parents play with him until he gets somewhat distracted by the toys so that they can slip away without him getting upset.

Crista Havar

11/4/2018 07:35:31 pm

I would explain to the parents that separation anxiety is a normal and vital part of a child's development. I would hold and comfort Jamal to the best of my ability and try to engage him in an activity that will get his attention and distract him from his parent's leaving. Then we they return to pick him up I would make it a point to say something like" See! Mommy always comes back!" and in doing so build trust. Playing games like peek a boo and hide and go seek can also help a child understand that when someone is not visible that they will return.

Maile Foss

11/5/2018 09:13:33 am

I would assure them that this is a totally normal part of development at this age & work with them to keep a simple drop off routine (quick hug, good bye, etc) so that the child would in time learn the new routine & become accustomed to his new schedule/environment.

Morgan link

11/5/2018 01:18:03 pm

Yes it is age appropriate and i think we could reasure the parents that lots of kids act this way and time will make it better.

Hannah Folsom

11/5/2018 01:48:40 pm

This is both very normal and very age appropriate, this is a milestone because it shows that the child is beginning to learn and more closely pay attention to what is happening in his surroundings. Sometimes it is preventable if a parent were very consistent with their timing but otherwise it is up to the child whether or not they will have separation anxiety

siara

11/5/2018 02:01:59 pm

1. very normal and age appropriate
2. i would let the parents know separation anxiety is very normal

Max L Hanson

11/5/2018 02:52:08 pm

And 3. To help prevent it from happening, could ask the parents to spend some time with the caregiver to feel comfortable leaving the child with the caregiver, as the child will follow the parents fear of leaving the child, and will continue to cry until the parent feels safe leaving the child with us. Also, to create a specific order of events before leaving the child, and stick to the order, as the child will get used to the schedule and will be less upset with the increase in the order.

Mounika

11/5/2018 03:33:58 pm

separation anxiety is normal at this age and it is very hard for parents.Both sides needs some time, will try my best to help a child and talk to parents,maybe updating his condition daily to parents

Monica Correa

11/6/2018 07:05:51 pm

I do think this behavior is expected, at 10 months children start to be more aware with their surroundings and noticing their parents are leaving. I would distract the child like show him a certain toy or read him a book and sit and cuddle with him so he can feel safe while his parents leave. I would tell the parents to reassure him that he comes every-time and every-time they come back for him. I would talk him through it and have the parents let him know when they will be back because hearing that reassurance they may feel better each time.

Andrea Chavez

11/6/2018 11:02:59 pm

Yes, the behavior is age appropriate because at this stage babies start to get attached to mommy and daddy and realize when being left.
I would take the child and try to distract them with something they enjoy doing while in care (coloring, playing with cars, Barbie's etc...) while parents head out by then he/she wont even realize when they left.
yes, by reassuring the child that mommy or daddy will come back for them.

Jessica Alvillar

11/7/2018 01:12:18 am

1. Jamal crying and clinging to his parents is normal behavior for a child his age going through separation anxiety.
2.I would explain separation anxiety as a normal behavior for young children. I would reassure the parent that their child is safe and that we are here to help the child calm down. I would also offer parents resource that discuss separation anxiety.
3. There are certain things that can help ease children's separation anxiety. One thing that parents can do is create a drop off routine. In the drop off they need to reassure the child that they will be back. It is important that the parent says goodbye to the child and not sneak out. It maybe be hard to see their child cry and cling to them but with the assistance of the caregiver drop off can be easier.

Xiuhua Ding

11/7/2018 04:03:18 am

the behavior is age appropriate, distract him with toys and have the parents still there playing with him for little while, let him get use to the environment

tabatha adaszewski

11/7/2018 04:33:05 pm

Yes, the behavior is age appropriate because the baby knows his parents and is secure in his or her relationship with them.
I would say that this is a milestone for this age group and it means that the child is developing well. I would work daily with the child and parents to ease this transition, maybe find an activity to distract them at drop off time.

Ramou Singhateh

11/7/2018 06:36:57 pm

It is a normal milestone that most children go through. It shows how strong the relationship between the child and parent is growing . I will comfort Jamal and reassure his parents that its normal for kids his age to experience separation anxiety .Making sure he feels more welcome and engage him in an activity he have interest in .

HAJI A HAJI

11/7/2018 08:01:43 pm

Yes, Jamal behavior is age appropriate since he is entering the separation anxiety stage, its common at this stage to behave this way, I will explain to his parent that this is normal behavior, it means that the he is developing well for his age.

Clarita Whatley

11/7/2018 08:46:22 pm

For some children it is normal to be clingy to their parents even after being there for months. I would assure Jamal’s parents that his separation anxiety will get better in time, and they can always call or stop in to check on him at any time that his in our care. Also we could share any thoughts and ideas to help him overcome this.

Padmaja Kondeti

11/8/2018 03:33:14 pm

Yes ,this is a age appropriate behaviour, when the child cries will ask parents to leave child and will read books or play with some toy with him/her which soothe child.i will make assure to the parents or care giver that the child is safe and will be happy.

vanessa kitto

11/9/2018 10:23:48 am

Explain to the child's parent's that the child is hitting the age that separation anxiety is becoming a thing. and that we will confront the child. and they can call anytime that they want to, to be able to check on the child

Nicole

11/13/2018 01:36:32 pm

This behavior is common for a child his age. I would tell the parents that it is a sign that the child has developed a positive relationship with them and that he is developing as expected. I would comfort the child when leaving and encourage the parents to not linger. The child will learn that it is okay and that his parents will be back.

Maria Zuniga

11/13/2018 08:30:17 pm

yes , most babies at Jamals age go thru this and its just a milestone we have to work together to get thru this, nothing is happening while he is in care, just that he is more aware of his surroundings. the parent needs to be confident for the child and reassuring that everything is ok , maybe bringing the childs favorite toy or blanket

mariya link

11/15/2018 06:21:00 am

1. completely normal at 10 months to be attached and not want to leave his parents
2. explain to the parents that its normal and keep updating them what happens through out the day
3. love on the baby and make sure to create some consistancy so he knows what is coming next

Cynthia Lopez

11/15/2018 02:55:03 pm

The child is learning and forming a tighter relationship because his brain is forming more cognitively. It is a learning milestone and I would reassure the parents of that. I would make sure to suggest that the same routine of dropping off the child is repeated and that the parents assure the child that they are safe. Once the parents leave, I would calm the child then call the parents to assure them that the child is calm.

Farnaz

11/15/2018 10:48:28 pm

Yes, i think seperation anxiety is normal at this age when a child comes in a daycare so i tell parents about their different behaviours and satisfied them at my level best.

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Discussion: Age-Appropriate Infant Scenario * Module 2 Page 24 (12/13)

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