In the morning, the sun shines through the foliage and casts dappled light on the park's jogging track. The two parents chatted during the break after the morning exercise, and the conversation turned to the children.
Parent A: "Yesterday, Xiao Ming went to kindergarten on his first dayHe didn't cry at all and went straight to the teacher。I'm a little worried, is this normal?”
Parent B: "Really?".My Xiaohua was crying for a while, but he couldn't cry like this for several days. But the teacher said that this is normal, and that children will have separation anxiety at first. ”
This contrast provokes a thought:Is it normal for a child to go to kindergarten without crying or fussing, and not showing separation anxiety at all?
Separation anxiety, psychologically, refers to the restlessness and fear that children experience when they are temporarily separated from their caregivers. This is a natural stage of a child's psychological development and is usually most pronounced between the ages of six months and three years. But not all children will show the same symptoms.
Typical manifestations of separation anxiety: Typical manifestations of separation anxiety include crying, clinging to parents, or showing excessive worry. One study showed that about 4% to 5% of children experience high levels of separation anxiety, which may persist into school age. However, the manifestations and intensity of separation anxiety vary depending on a variety of factors, such as the child's personality, the environment in which the child was raised, and the parent's coping style.
Differences in age and performance: As the child grows older and more adaptable to the environment, the manifestation of separation anxiety changes. For example, a kindergarten-age child may verbally express a lack of desire to separate rather than crying. By understanding this developmental pattern, parents can better identify their children's emotional needs and adopt appropriate coping strategies.
Normal or not of separation anxiety:It is important to note that not all children will show intense separation anxiety when they enter kindergarten. Some children may be more relaxed due to personality reasons (e.g., greater independence) or family environment (e.g., frequent parental communication, and adaptation training). This does not mean that there is a problem with their psychological development. In fact, it can be a sign of a child's adaptability and independence.
When a child appears calm in the face of a new environment in kindergarten, rather than the usual crying or anxiety, this may point to several key factors. First of all, personality traits play an important role here. Some children are naturally more independent and adaptable to new environments. This does not mean that they do not have anxiety in their hearts, but that they express their emotions differently. For example, one study found that introverted children may not immediately show strong reactions in their new environment, but that doesn't mean they don't feel the change.
The home environment also influences a child's adaptation to kindergarten. Children who grow up in a loving and supportive home are more likely to remain calm in the face of separation. A parent's attitude, especially their encouragement and comfort to their child, can greatly help a child adjust to a new environment.
A child's ability to adapt to kindergarten varies widely. Most parents are Xi to paying attention to children crying at the entrance of kindergarten, but often ignore those who seem to be adapting easily. In fact, children may exhibit a variety of different behaviors as they adjust to a new environment, some of which can be early signs of an underlying psychological problem.
Abnormal changes in mood and behavior
Some subtle changes in behavior can be a sign of anxiety in your child. For example,If the child suddenly becomes too quiet or too active, or shows completely different behaviors at home than in kindergarten, it may be that the child is expressing his inner discomfort in his own way. Studies have shown that both emotional repression and excessive outgoing can be manifestations of psychological stress.
Changes in social interactions
Social interaction is an important aspect of assessing a child's mental health. If your child interacts less with peers in kindergarten or exhibits avoidant behaviors, this could be a sign of a child's psychological maladjustment. At the same time, parents should also pay attention to their children's social performance at home, such as whether they like to interact with family members and whether they are willing to share their kindergarten experience.