seperation anxiety in 5 year old?

[hanhol]

my wee girl who has been confident and enjoying her school and after clubs has this past 5 weeks been crying and holding onto me when i leave her...shes grand up to the point of me going then the **** hits the fan . ive spokne to teachers and leaders and shes grand once shes in her class etc....
today when i left her in school she clung to me like i was throwing her of the cliff...i hid my distress but its effecting me ..last night i woke in a cold sweat...

family life is good with loving parents and sister.
i just cant pin point the problem.
thanks

[Davethedog]

Any bullying - Doesn't like the teacher

[gossipgirl]

could it be that shes getting picked on? Has she recently been told off by one of the teachers?

[hanhol]

like i say ive spoken to all teachers and ehey say shes grand once she gets inti class but this all happens the minute i leave her...

[curiosity]

Are you ill, or been poorly lately, maybe even talking about something to do with health, or... do you smoke, and does she watch Tv?and has been watching the latest ads directed at kids so parents will stop? For whatever reason, it sounds like she has become more insecure about you and is worried about you. If I was you I would ask to speak to the school nurse about it sooner rather than later. Its not that it is a massive problem, but the longer it goes on, the more you and her will be emotionally affected, and it can continue for a while for some people, and ultimately develop into school refusal for some kids. I'm by no means saying that this is going to happen, but I can't gauge the severity, you and the school nurse will be able to, and then the nurse should advise you on what to do, it may mean going to your GP and asking to be referred for advice to CAMHS, who can give advice about what to say and do, and also talk to her 'and assess her. But she is only 5 and it could be a phase and may need no further advice whatsoever. I'm just letting you know that there are services available that can deal with this better than teachers, and it may be beneficial just for peace of mind to check out the school nurse. They arn't based in schools these days but the secretary will give you her number. She'll be fine.

[curiosity]

Sorry, an after thought, I,m not sure whether she watches news, hears conversations or sees new papers with anything to do with Jade Goody, but its very open about those kids losing their mother. My daughter was about 5 when poor Madelene McCann was big news and definately got more anxious and worried about stranger danger and playing out.

[kylie1988]

Hey hanhol. I work with 3-5 year olds at a private nursery and feel for you. I see a lot of this and it is very common in 5 year olds to do this. And as soon as the parents leave, they are fine all day. It could be a number of reasons. It could be because they have just come back from holiday, haven't seen much of you lately as youve been away, stress at home or within the nursery. How long has your daughter been at the nursery for? But I do think she will grow out of this. The best method is to say settle her down with doing an activity, say goodbye and leave as quick as possible. Or let her know who is picking her up before coming into the nursery so she feels secure. Or even bringing something from home to the nursery with her so she feels more at home. I hope this does help.

[kylie1988]

Curiousity does have a good point. This could have something to do with some sort of programme she has watched or heard a conversation. At this age, you would be surprised on how much they pick up from others and how much they understand. I would just watch what she watches and see her reaction on some things or some people. But in time she will settle down and wont be a problem. But I would just do that method I write in this last comment. It is what we normally tell parents who have this problem. But I would just like to reassure you that a lot of children this age do that and it is common.