There is the possibility at any age that your child may cling. Though, if he has learning disabilities the extra attachment may be compounded because the child may have a need not being met when away from you.

So, it takes some investigation on your part to find the reason for the insecurity and clinging.

Some possibilities -

1. Does your child go to school via a special education van? Inquire from the driver if your child cries on the way to school. Maybe another child sitting in close proximity is hitting or pinching or saying rude things to your child.

2. Going from curbside at school to the school playground or classroom may be another source of alarm. Be sure your child knows the route and procedure and if required, how to line up and wait for the classroom door to be opened to go in.

3. Once inside the classroom, does your child get the help they need getting their outside clothes hung up or put in a cubby?

4. Does your child get the help needed to use the restroom facilities?

5. At recess, does your child feel safe to be outdoors with the other students without being bullied?

6. Check to see if your child is able to eat their own lunch without it being taken away from them.

7. Coming home at the end of the school day could be another time of trauma. Do you have a set routine that your child feels comfortable with? Is someone the child knows there to greet him at home.

8. If your child goes to daycare after school is the ride there a smooth transition. Does your child feel like they may not get there in time or not know who will greet him?

If you find the source of the clinging is in some special part of the day, that is the easiest fix. If you don't find an obvious cause it could be that the child feels insecure in general and you may need to talk over your concerns with a specialist. Perhaps the place to start is someone who has been following your child's development right along, such as her pediatrician.

A couple of my kids were very clinging around kindergarten age. Talking over my concerns with the pediatrician pointed me in a helpful direction.

Kids do grow up, but I think as parents we are their best advocate along the way. After all, we've been with our kids from birth, noting every step of progress. Speaking up for our kids' needs and rights is up to us!

Article by Susan Kramer

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