About Stranger Anxiety
Stranger anxiety is an aspect of child psychology that labels the behavior of babies and toddlers when they develop a fear of people they don't know well. This is so common that psychologists consider it a normal stage of development, although not all children have it. Often it depends on how much contact the little ones have had with a variety of people, as well as their general personality.
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Time Frame
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Stranger anxiety begins as early as 3 months old and as late as 8 months, and it typically lasts about 6 months. Usually it occurs at the later end of this range. It can be disconcerting for parents whose baby had previously been very congenial to other people. After several months pass and the stranger anxiety dissipates, the children typically develop some degree of separation anxiety in which they feel abandoned if they can't see their parents or someone else they are very close to emotionally.
Identification
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Stranger anxiety is defined as fear of any person who is not part of the child's routine daily life. Children at this age are learning that close family members are very important and provide security. Strangers and other less important people suddenly can cause children to be fearful because they have realized these people are not part of their inner circle.
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Behavior
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Babies experiencing stranger anxiety may become very upset and cry, while others may simply act timid and cling to their regular caregiver. The effect is worse when they are approached too quickly or when people are too loud.
Coping
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Parents should stay calm and be reassuring. Although it can be upsetting to see their baby act frightened, it will only cause more anxiety if the parents become upset as well. Parents should keep introducing the baby to new people and experiences but must be gentle and not force the issue. If the baby is anxious, parents can show the baby that they like this other person by greeting with affection, shaking hands or hugging. The other person should not try to lift the child or come on too strong.
Considerations
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Coping with stranger anxiety means learning to soothe hurt feelings while respecting a child's needs. When relatives, especially grandparents, are accustomed to being greeted with happiness and open arms, they can feel bad when a baby suddenly acts fearful. Parents can help others understand that this is a normal phase most children experience, and that nobody should take it personally.
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