They know that they will lose attention. A reaction may be the child demanding lots of attention. Elementary school children may complain of stomach cramps and headaches in response to an adult returning. Children in early elementary school may be shy or may act out their anger. They may be competitive, blaming, and moody, or they may talk a lot to gain approval and attention.
Preteens are very social and prefer to spend time with their friends.
They learn acceptable behavior patterns and consequences through their peer relationships. Preteens find mothers all-important in life but begin to pull away from parents and show interest in friends as they get older. These children need lots of reminders and usually have not developed a good concept of time. They are impatient. They will begin to challenge the rules and limits set by adults.