Stuffed animals provide comfort and security to children, and many Head Start teachers are putting this knowledge to work in the classroom. This article shows how to incorporate stuffed animals and puppets into the Head Start curriculum to help children deal with conflict resolution, separation anxiety, grief and loss, safety, and cultural…

Reviews and critiques the approaches of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and the International Classification of Diseases to attachment disorders and finds that they have not made use of findings from developmental research on attachment in developing their criteria. Presents an alternative system of classifying attachment…

Duty related separation for military family members demands family support programs to help alleviate the stresses produced by separation. Not only is performance of the military member affected, but so is the emotional stability of the spouse and children. Three phases of emotion and behavior can be delineated in the sequence-reaction to the loss…

This colloquium draws on recent cross-cultural research undertaken in Brunei exploring the transition of the child from home or nursery school to preschool, which is mandatory for all children in their fifth year. Preschool classes are a part of primary schools in the Bruneian education system and are administered by the Ministry of Education.…

In relationships among attachment classification, psychopathology, and personality, traits were examined in a group of 60 psychiatrically hospitalized adolescents. Attachment was examined in 27 adolescent-mother pairs. Both adolescent and maternal attachment status were overwhelmingly insecure and were highly concordant. Results support a model of…

Examined long-term sequelae of severe adolescent psychopathology from the perspective of adult attachment theory. Compared 66 upper-middle-class adolescents who were psychiatrically hospitalized at age 14 for problems other than thought or organic disorders, to 76 socio-demographically similar high school students. When reviewed at age 25,…

Adolescents in psychiatric treatment (N=133) participated in a case-comparison study investigating the association of attachment patterns with a history of suicidal behaviors. Attachment patterns were assessed using the Adult Attachment Interview. In accordance with definitions provided in the scoring system, 86% of case and 78% of comparison…

Explores the extent of Navajos' bond with their homeland. The land is critical to the Navajo world view, which emphasizes harmony and orderly conditions, and plays an essential role in myths and ceremonies. When Navajos leave their homeland to pursue educational or professional endeavors, emotional distress can undermine their success. Includes…

Investigated the relationships between parental separation anxiety and adolescent identity development in a longitudinal study of first-year college students and seniors. Found that mothers' need to provide security influenced their adolescents' identity achievement, while father's anxiety about distancing had negative and positive consequences…

Outlines attachment theory, focusing on ideas regarding children's attachment to persons other than primary caregivers. Utilizes attachment theory in drawing implications for classroom operation, day care center organization, and governmental policies. The attachment paradigm is seen as providing a theoretical basis for improving day care…

Maintains that reading humorous storybooks to toddlers can support their development and learning. A bibliography of humorous children's books is included. (BB)

Examined the transition of 10 children to day care. Found that separation from parent was difficult for one child and that a caring teacher, opportunities for exploration, and support in those activities assisted in overcoming separation difficulties. Identified the caregiver-child relationship as important for supporting children in their…

The impact of exposure to the World Trade Center attack on children presenting separation anxiety disorder (SAD) 6 months after the attack was studied in a representative sample of New York City public school students (N = 8,236). Probable SAD occurred in 12.3% of the sample and was more frequent in girls, young children, and children who…

This guide is designed to assist employed parents in preparing themselves and their children for a successful child care experience. Chapter 1 covers child care selection, including resources available to aid in selection, characteristics of quality care, comparative shopping, and changing child care programs. Chapter 2 provides tips for preparing…

For use in tandem with training videotapes illustrating key concepts and caregiving techniques, this guide discusses ways to establish and nurture the partnership between caregivers and families of infants and toddlers in child care. Special attention is given to issues which may cause tension between caregivers and parents, such as bonding and…