As infants develop the ability to differentiate between the familiar faces of parents or caregivers and the unfamiliar faces of strangers, stranger anxiety may occur. This anxiety develops around seven to nine months of age and usually resolves around the child's first birthday. Stranger anxiety is a normal part of development and does not indicate a more serious psychological problem. Recognizing typical signs of stranger anxiety may help parents and caregivers differentiate between normal and abnormal childhood behavior.
Quiet Fear
When exposed to strangers, infants affected by stranger anxiety may suddenly go quiet or look scared. This behavior is atypical of the infant and may be recognized by the familiar caregiver while not recognized by the stranger. However, quiet fear may easily be mistaken for something other than stranger anxiety, making it difficult to help the child cope with his fear.
Fussing
While some children may go quiet when affected by stranger anxiety, others may become emotional. Loud crying, fussing and tantrums when confronted with a stranger present a more obvious problem than when a child goes quiet. Caregivers and strangers must have patience with the children when confronted with this behavior. Acknowledging the child's fear and respecting it will also help to reduce stranger anxiety in the future.
Clinging
Some children affected by stranger anxiety may become abnormally clingy when confronted with strangers, burying into the caregiver's arms or hiding behind the caregiver. When confronted with this reaction, do not force your child to face the unfamiliar individual. Maintaining distance between the child and the stranger may help to ease your child's fear. When approaching the stranger, it may help to hold your child and introduce her to the stranger in a calm voice. Again, recognizing and respecting your child's fear and patience on the part of the stranger and the caregiver may help alleviate your child's anxiety.
Normal and Abnormal Anxiety
While stranger anxiety is a normal phase of childhood development, similar anxiety disorders may exist with children. Recognizing the difference between normal and abnormal anxiety may help caregivers discern whether or not professional treatment is necessary. Intense fear that keeps your child from enjoying everyday activities or results in agitation from just the thought of separation may not be normal stranger anxiety. Proper steps should be taken to ensure the child's health and well-being. A qualified mental health professional can aid you and your child in the diagnosis and treatment of a serious anxiety disorder.
