Nursery World - Don't go!

Don't just wait for children to get over their distress when a parent leaves them at nursery, says Penny Tassoni - help them to form new attachments to a key worker and other children The way in which children adjust to new settings varies enormously. Some children appear to glide effortlessly into their new environment, while others, especially younger children, show signs of great anxiety when the time comes for their parents to leave. To help support children during the settling-in period, early years practitioners need to understand the importance of attachments in young children's lives.

The way in which children adjust to new settings varies enormously. Some children appear to glide effortlessly into their new environment, while others, especially younger children, show signs of great anxiety when the time comes for their parents to leave. To help support children during the settling-in period, early years practitioners need to understand the importance of attachments in young children's lives.

What is an attachment?

The term 'attachment' is used by psychologists to describe an emotional tie or relationship that a child has to another person. The need for babies and children to form attachments appears to be instinctive, with early ties forming the template for children's later relationships.

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