Separation anxiety occurs in children who are school aged. Teachers report that even when the child overcomes the resistance to attending school, it takes an inordinate amount of time for the child to focus on school work. Ironically, a child with separation anxiety may be acamedically proficient despite the resistance to following through with group activity.
Researchers conclude that children who have separation anxiety demonstarate common traits.
As is easily noted in the list above, many of these qualities are positive ones. For instance, a child who has the compassion to worry about the care and safety of the parent is a thoughtful and empathetic person. Some parents report that the child is more likely to transition well if the parent greets a playmate of the child before departure. It should be mentioned that although children who have separartion anxiety tend to fear group settings, their fear is not necessarily a negative trait. For instance, children who prefer smaller numbers of children to larger numbers tend to be more cautious in their speech and activity.