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03:23 F~JM DILLONS ~3 LRRNED, KS
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to then detect and empathize with the emotional states of
others. While these are
impressive
developmental skills,
unfortunately they also render young children especially
vulnerable to certain kinds of stress (e.i. birth of a newsibling). It is presumed that young
childrgn's
increasedsensitivity to social relationships in general and threats ofdisplacem~nt in particular combine with their ongoing dependency
on the family to make them especially vulnerable to anxiety and
stress.Finally, preschool
children's
struggle
with
the continuing
development of attachment relationships renders themparticularly vulnerable to events that threaten to disrupt those
relationships.John Bowlby, author of volumes on child development, viewed thefirst
3
years of life as heavily involved in the development of
attachment relationships which are incorporated as part of the
child's sense of themselves in relation to others. Disruptions
in the attachment process (i.e. separation from primarycaregiver) are likely to be particularly
painful
during the
toddler
and
early
preschool years. Separation
in the first 6
months of life and
after
the age of 4 are less disruptive.
During
the period
between 1
and 4
years,
stressors
that
threaten
the primary attachment relationship are likely to be e~perlenced
as particularly
difficult.
As children approach school
age,
their
repertoire
of self soothing skills as well as theirnetworks of
extra-familial
relationships expands, and
consequently their ability to find comfort from persons other
than primary attachment figures in times of stress. Young
&fflchoOlets_commonl~
d~~~s~rate the effects of stress
in
four
a
!
RegressIon to
r-mmature
forms of
behavior, increasedattention seeking, withdrawal from social contact, and
changes
in
play.Providing the young child with consistency, safety andpredictability creates feelings of security and
trust.
Talking
to children and explaining about stressful circumstances takes
the guessing out of what might happen. Talking about bow
important children
are
to parents provides
them
with a
solid
foundation and a great de~l of comfort.Ms. Dombrowski, I hope that there has been
something
written
here that you will find useful and helpful.
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