The Signs of Attachment Problems in Elementary School

Attachment is an important part of a child's life, especially in elementary school. While attachment problems might seem to be a spontaneous childhood problem, its roots often lie with poor parenting, according to the Evergreen Psychotherapy Center. This lack of attention in their early years can also give them the idea that they need to fend for themselves. In turn, this culminates into a cocktail of unstable emotions and poor self-esteem.

Apathy

• During his elementary school years, a child with an attachment disorder might seem distant or indifferent. For example, he will not respond well to physical touch. Instead of interpreting it as a show of affection, he might say "ouch" or flinch. This indicates that he sees friendly touches as a threat. A child with this problem will also be strangely affectionate to people he does not know, while showing little attachment or affection to his parents. The individual can also lack empathy or a conscience, showing little or no ability to experience guilt or remorse.

Emotional Instability

• An elementary school child with an attachment disorder will often have a bad temper. She will throw tantrums or be passive-aggressive in order to gain attention. She might also have a constant need to be in control, which manifests itself in frequent arguments and resistance to authority.

Inhibited and Disinhibited

• Two forms of attachment problems exist. Inhibited reactive attachment disorder will cause a child to be introverted and withdrawn. He will resist comfort or affection from virtually everyone. Disinhibited disorder is the complete opposite. The child will look for comfort from everyone, including parents. However, this attachment is excessive. He will be immature, severely dependent and constantly anxious.

Negativity

• One negative attitude for a child with detachment disorder is trust issues. The child might be manipulative and controlling when it comes to her social life. She will be unaccountable, blaming others for her own shortcomings or failures. The child will also lack self-confidence and display poor learning skills. This negativity can also result in inadequate personal hygiene and depression.