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

6/4/2016

39 Comments

Go Back

The Discussion Board is a tool for sharing thoughts and ideas about class materials.

Click here for an alternate option for submitting your answer.

"Agree or Disagree" is not considered an answer.
You are required to type an appropriate response.

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.

39 Comments

Meagan Avard

6/20/2018 08:25:23 am

Yes this is normal for a child Jamal's age to experience anxiety upon separating from his primary care. Explaining this developmental milestone to the parents because they have done a good job in bonding with their child and letting them know that it is something that you are experienced with and helping them come up with a strategy (such as a long good bye process or a distraction) to possibly alleviate the stress that drop offs are causing and making sure they know what the child has done during the day and the progress they are making in other areas as well during pick up can put the parents at ease.

Jordin Pruett

6/20/2018 02:47:25 pm

The start of that behavior is completely normal. Simply explained that their child is developing and there has been a bond between them, and will eventually come to terms that it's ok and you're not leaving them. A caregiver should always do their best to console the child and use dist4ractions to help get their mind off it.

Trista Woody

6/20/2018 04:32:48 pm

Yes this behavior is normal for a 10 month old. I would calmly explain to his parents that he is just starting to be more aware of his surroundings and assure them that nothing has happened at school.
I would suggest the parents bring some of his favorite toys and try to spend a little bit of time with him at drop off.

Connor von Difloe

6/21/2018 07:52:32 pm

Do you think this behavior or expectation is age-appropriate?
This behavior is age appropriate.

If so, how could you explain this to the parents/co-workers?

That this is a milestone in the child's development; it proves that the infant has a strong bond to the primary caregiver which is quite positive; separation anxiety is a completely normal thing.

Is there anything you can do to prevent this situation from happening again?

Having the child's caregivers create a positive situation at the center so that the child associates positive experiences with the center, like bringing a favorite toy.

Anatoli Pavlov

6/22/2018 01:04:54 pm

I believe this is normal behavior. Children go through phases when they do not want to be separated from their parents. This will come and go as the child is growing up.

Eva Radillo

6/23/2018 05:33:20 pm

I would reassure the parents that nothing has taken place at the childcare facility that would warrant this increase in crying upon separation. I would tell them it is a normal reaction at his age and that as he becomes more comfortable in the environment this will decrease. It is also important for the parents to understand that their attitudes when leaving their child are important and they need to keep it quick and direct.

Sueanne Skeen

6/23/2018 11:58:20 pm

Separation anxiety is normal at that age. Being calm and confident will help the parent with his or her anxiety over the situation. Letting the parent know how the child does after they leave is also important. Reassuring the parent that the child "settles" after they leave is important in reassuring the parent that the child is only experiencing a normal milestone in development. I don't think you can prevent this from happening. It is normal. However, there are tools and consistent behaviors you can model and implement that will help the child transition faster and work through this stage sucessfully. Having handouts available for the parent to take home and read is also a great way to communicate the normalcy of this type of behavior and assures the parent that you are prepared and able to help their child navigate their emotions.

Hailey

6/24/2018 10:41:53 am

I believe this behavior is to be expected of that child but I understand the parents concern. I would reassure the parents that nothing different has happened at the center and they have nothing to worry about. I would explain that seperation anxiety at that age is normal. When the child comes in I would instantly give him a chice of different games and show him that his friends want to play to get the chiilds mind off of the parents leaving.

Chunhong Liu

6/24/2018 10:26:27 pm

This is a normal part of growth and development and a milestone in social-emotional development . Jamal is only 10 months old and just entering the separation anxiety stage when older babies or young toddlers resist separating from their primary caregiver.

Mercedes Douglas

6/25/2018 05:51:53 pm

At 10 months I do believe that the behavior is age-appropriate. I would tell the parent/co-worker to not pay any attention to the crying because every time the parent drops the kid off he's going to continue to cry if you give into it. The next time the kid gets dropped off I would put him with the other babies because eventually he's going to stop crying.

Meghan Hamilton

6/25/2018 09:12:06 pm

This behavior is completely normal. I would explain it to a co-worker of the parents as a normal and expected behavior. I would encourage the teacher to be sensitive and warm with the parents and the child. listening to the parents and giving them some tips for a loving, but quick good-bye. It is important the parents feel heard, and that the teacher is compassionate to their child's needs.

xiomara

6/26/2018 01:01:42 pm

Yes, this is normal behavior for this age. I would explain to the parent that this is normal and that most children stop crying as soon as their parent(s) are gone. Most importantly their child is in good hands.

Sierra

6/26/2018 04:28:48 pm

This behavior is normal, and you could explain to the parents why. If they are still uncertain, give them an article to read that follows up with what you were explaining to them. You can try to prevent the situation from happening by giving the infant something to distract them. I usually give mine a rattle or a teething ring and we sing songs while dancing around. The child is then smiling and laughing while their parents leave and everyone is happy.

Fafineth Soromou

6/27/2018 08:11:50 am

I believe that this behavior is normal, jamal has been attached to his parents since he's born; he has built a confident and safely relationships. and knowing that he is going to spend time with other people is little scaring and stressful . i will explain that to his parent and create an activities to make jamal feels safe and loved in my center.

Fatama Taei

6/28/2018 07:59:39 pm

This behavior is of course accepted, while it can be quite annoying and difficult at times, it is expected to happen at some point. To explain to parents, there really is nothing I can think of to do other than reassure them that its normal and try to maintain a strong enough relationship with the parents so they feel more secure. The situation can happen at random times from my experience, and the best way I personally deal with it is by trying to coax the kid to come play with me while the parent is still in the room, and I distract them with a toy while the parent slips out. If the kid realizes that they're gone and start crying thats when I sing the calm down song and hold them.

Estrella Knutson

6/28/2018 08:09:29 pm

Yes, this is normal behavior. The child is showing attachment and recognition that the parents are leaving. I would reassure the parents while recognizing their concern. I would also distract the child with a favorite play thing and reassuring cuddle.

Ashley Amezcua Gutierrez

6/30/2018 04:34:10 pm

Yes this behavior is absolutely normal and it just means that he is building a strong connection with his parents and he's reach an important milestone with emotions, one thing I would try is searching for a specific toy/equipment that Jamal has previously cared for and id assure that he feels safe.

addy

6/30/2018 06:54:00 pm

this is normal, attachments to his caregivers. I would explain to the parents that he is becoming aware of how incredibly important they are to him and how safe he feels with them. I could help this situation by showing Jamal that he is also safe at the center but possibly placing him with other kiddos to make him feel safe and comfortable

NOOR AL DAWOODI

7/1/2018 12:17:43 am

To explain to parents quietly that this is normal because children are related to their parents and does not want to separated from them

Jenin

7/1/2018 04:04:35 pm

As this is a normal part of development especially at such a young age they are becoming more aware . Although they may love your center and are fine when the parents leave the child may have had something happen in there day. Like it's Monday morning and they have been with Mom all weekend.

Carolina Hernandez

7/1/2018 06:00:07 pm

Indeed such behavior is completely normal for such age due, I would explain to the parents that this is simply their child learning how to make emotional connections. One way I can help ease this transition is by distracting the child with toys and allowing the child to interact with other children.

Cassandra Dozier

7/4/2018 04:18:20 pm

I would tell the parents that this is a normal stage in the development of Jamal. Jamal is demonstrating that he has a secure attachment with his parents and it is just a phase for a 10 month old to get through. The best way is to just leave as quickly as possible when dropping Jamal off and Jamal will calm down within a couple of minutes of being there. This stage will pass and he has reached another milestone in his childhood development.

Elaina baker

7/5/2018 04:57:31 pm

I would say to the parents it is normal when entering a new class room but if they give the child a few moments in there with their parents gone they will forget and have fun playing. There isn’t much you can do next time but do the same thing over again.

KAG

7/5/2018 05:01:51 pm

I believe this is age-appropriate, normal behavior for even a well-adjusted child. It's always stressful for a parent to have a child clinging to them and crying. I would explain to the parents that the child will calm down after they leave, and the child will then have a normal day. If the child is having separation anxiety, the only thing to do is to continue to provide quality care and support until the child grows out of this passing phase of their life.

Jordan

7/6/2018 07:42:42 pm

Yes, this behavior is normal! I would explain to the parents that this is typical behavior for an older infant and the child calms down after a few minutes! I would look for a toy or even a small blanket that the child is attached to so drop offs are easier on both the parents and the child.

Andrea

7/7/2018 12:52:16 pm

Experiencing separation anxiety at this age is normal, to explain the parents I would just stay calm and reassure them that this is normal and that it will eventually be better.

Bonnie Geisen

7/9/2018 01:59:09 pm

Of coarse it is completely normal for a 10 month old to do so, first time separating from their primary caregiver could be scary for the child, i would tell the parents that it is completely normal and i would assure them that their child is in good hands. Taking the child for a tour around the care center would help the child get somewhat comfortable in the new environment.

Debbie McFadden

7/10/2018 09:07:35 pm

I think it's a natural reaction to not want the parent(s) leaving at drop off time. It's good to remind the parents that over time it gets easier for the child and them both. I have had experiences with the parents walking in and handing over the child quickly and leaving. Later I would let them know the child had calmed quickly. In time it got easier for the child and they became used to the environment and people they were spending time with during the day.

Heidi Kleckley

7/11/2018 12:19:36 pm

This is a normal part of growth and development and a milestone in social-emotional development. Over time the child will learn that the parent is coming back for them. There are few different things we can do to help with a child who is feeling this emotion. We can ask the child to take one more hug from parent and hold on to it for later. Telling them that when they are sad and miss them, they can give them self a hug and feel that extra hug they got from mom or dad. We can also help distract the kiddo with something exciting or their favorite activity in the classroom as their parent leaves for the day.

Nebyat Tekle

7/11/2018 06:59:58 pm

This is normal behavioral growth and development . It is milestone in social emotional development . Through time they will learn that their parents a going to come . By asking parents to bring any cloth so that it can helps when child wants to sleep . By keeping them busy with different activity with them .

Carrie

7/12/2018 06:58:07 am

Jamal is exhibiting a very normal and healthy response at his age. Separation Anxiety is a milestone in the child's development and it also is evidence that he has a secure attachment to his primary caregiver. The parents need reassured that this is normal and will pass in time, that the caregivers are experienced in helping the child with this (and the families). A favorite toy or blanket from home can help with the transition- also a novel toy from within the child care center can be offered to the child as a way to engage the child right away.

Dora Cardenas

7/12/2018 11:27:49 am

i believe this is very normal behavior for a child that is being separated from their parents for any amount of time, i would try to re-assure the parents that their behavior is very normal.

Elese Hersel

7/12/2018 01:45:11 pm

Yes, this is normal for a 10 month old. I would explain this developmental milestone to the parents, and even put a positive tone to it, that this is wonderful actually because it means Jamal is growing and his brain is developing as he enters this new stage! It's a normal behavior and nothing to worry about.

karla vargas

7/12/2018 06:43:56 pm

I think Jamal's reaction is normal according to his age. The separation-anxiety that comes from being away from his primary caregiver is what induces this behavior from 10 month old Jamal.

I would reassure the parents that this is not something to worry about and on the contrary, it is something to be happy and proud about. This shows a positive and strong bond with the mother and as an educator I would acknowledge the parents' competence.

To prevent this situation from happening, once I have spoken to the parents and received their feedback, I would offer a solution as to drawing Jamal's attention elsewhere for the moment. Such as giving him a toy he likes or maybe the parents may suggest giving him a favorite toy from home.The situation with the toy, is that as the caregiver, it would have to be explained to the parents that they toy if brought from home may create a dynamic with the other children and would probably have to remain in a cubby.

In order to prevent situations like this, it is important to have good communication with the parents that way we can all work together to the benefit of the children

Cassandra Parshall

7/13/2018 07:18:23 pm

Yes, I believe this is appropriate behavior. I would let his parents know this is normal development for his age, as he is growing more attached to his mother, and that it's temporary. To ease the baby's response in the future I would focus on making school a fun time, by finding an activity or another child he likes to play with and distracting him when he gets dropped off in the morning, or by working with the parents so he can have a bottle or pacifier to calm him down.

Ana K Torres Albino

7/14/2018 09:49:24 pm

The behavior explained in the scenario is completely age appropriate and is logical for a parent to feel uneasy when it happens. The child feels safe and loved by their parent and is hard for them to leave that nesting stage during the day. What I would recommend to the parent would be to allow me to give that affection to the child so the child feels safe in my care and to support me by letting the child know he/she will be okay with me and that the parent will return.

liliya

7/15/2018 07:38:26 pm

it is normal for Jamal to experience separation issues, this is the milestone he has to learn to go through at this age. Every child is different and may or may not develop separation issues. I will try to comfort him as much as I can when you leave and give him my all attention until his enxiety of separation cools off.

Ashley Seward

7/15/2018 10:51:29 pm

Separation anxiety can be hard on the families but totally normal in Jamal's age. I would ensure the parents that it is just separation anxiety and it is just a phase they will go through. I would provide them with resources to back that statement up and assure them that once they leave, Jamal is back to being happy and ready to play. I would offer that they can call in check in on him at any point and if allowed, I could provide pictures of him a couple times throughout the day if that would be comforting to parents. Each child is different so as far as how to prevent the situation again, I think it is just a period where you have to be positive and ensure the child as well as the parents that everything is okay until the phase passes.

Sudha

7/17/2018 11:02:19 am

This behavior is normal for a 10 month old. Simply explained that their child is developing and there has been a bond between them, and will eventually come to terms that it's ok and you are not leaving them. A care giver should always do their best to console the child and use distractions to help get their mind off it.

Required Assignment

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

Leave a Reply.