Research that Benefits Children and Families

I recently read an article in the Young Children’s magazine that used research to assist with young children coping with separation.  As an administrator of a military child development center I see so many children struggling with separation.   With the variety of deployments that are in constant rotation our young children are not coping very well with the separation.  Research has proven to us that it is typical for children to experience separation anxiety between the ages of 6 and 8 months old and again at 18 months (Yeary,2013).

Some great ways to assist with young children coping with separation:

·         Record the person reading a book or singing a song

·         Have a piece of clothing with the persons scent on it (this typically comforts the child) to carry or have near

·         Child safe photo album

Research has proved that infants 6 to 8 weeks old can tell the difference using the sense of smell to tell the difference between mother and father (Berlin, Cassidy, & Appleyard, 2008).  Having research like this is very imperative to have.  Young families and early childhood educators can benefit from this research and can pass it along to others that will be experiencing this milestone with their children.   

Berlin, L., Cassidy, J., Appleyard, K. (2008). “The Influence of Early Attachments on other Relationships" Chap.15 in Handbook of Attachment: Theory, Research, Clinical Applications, 2^nd ed., eds.  Cassidy, J. & Shaver, P. 333-47. New York: Guilford.

Yeary, J. (2013) Rocking and Rolling. Promoting Mindfulness: Helping Young Children Cope with

                Separation. YC: Young Children, 68(5), 110-112