Welcome to the EASEY course for early years professionals.
When a child senses a real (or imagined) disconnection from their primary sources of attachment, their brain can go on high alert. Of course, many times this is just a false alarm. A caregiver might just be exhausted, distracted by work, or less emotionally available when being pulled in many directions. Regardless, a young brain is wired to be alerted to “threat cues” that indicate, rightly or wrongly, that their needs may not be met.
When caregiving is inconsistent or not addressing deeper needs, a child may become more stressed as their brain frequently returns to this survival mode. As a result, a child might internalize the incorrect message that there must be something wrong with them, or that they must work harder to be loved and cared for.From birth to 18 months, young children must have interactions with caregivers that nurture and strengthen the security of attachment. This will avoid creating imbalances in the brain architecture that may lead to anxiety and fear.
Co-regulation also looks like:
Co-regulation sounds like (sometimes said internally):
Try It Out
Behaviourally inhibited and sensitive children can get upset when routines are disrupted. When possible, stay curious and look beyond the tears and clingy behaviour to the way the child’s nervous system is getting overwhelmed. The child is desperately trying to feel safe again. Use “previewing” to give them a heads-up about what is going to happen, or any changes: “We are going to walk to the library tomorrow after snack and we will stay for about three stories.” Referring to visual daily schedules through the day can reduce anxiety by providing structure and predictability.In a Nutshell
In a Nutshell
Most stress doesn’t feel good. However, learning how to cope with moderate levels of stress and adversity is an important part of healthy early development. Short-lived stress responses in the body can promote growth and help children build their confidence and learn how to cope with larger stressors in the future.Reflection
What were your body clues or signs of anxiety when you were a young child?These two toggles below are samples that MCF wanted to see – the icon aligned left with text wrapping, and aligned right, but at a slightly larger size. At this point they are not used in the course.
Toggles below this point are not approved – they are just the result of my experimenting and testing in Learndash.
0–6 months | 6–18 months | 18–36 months | 3–6 years |
Around 6–8 months, chirldren start to show fear of separation. |
The dark can be associated with separation fears, as the imagination can take over. |
Children may start to have fears involving getting lost or being kidnapped. |
0–6 months | 6–18 months | 18–36 months | 3–6 years |
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Professional Resources: Optional resources to extend your learning
Storybook: Optional and relevant story books