The mamitis in children and babies
The mamitis is the name with which we commonly refer to the tendency of the little ones to cling excessively to their attachment figures, usually mothers. The mamitis is an excessive attachment, the boy or girl claims the mother (or the father) to achieve security.
The mamitis in children and babies it is very frequent in certain periods of development. Although we should not be too alarmed, since as these periods grow, it is important to know these periods to help our children reach the security they need to face the world around them alone without having to cling to their mothers.
Do you have mamitis?
When the boy or girl constantly complains to the mother or father, not only when he falls, or is bad, but also when he has to eat, bathe or sleep ... we are faced with a case of mamitis.
All the children develop a special attachment with their closest figures, the father and the mother, especially during the first months of life. These figures of attachment are the people who tend to take care of their care, upbringing, the satisfaction of their needs, etc. In short, these figures of attachment mean for the baby the first months of life the guarantee of their well-being, integrity and survival.
It is logical that our little ones develop a special preference towards the attachment figures, that is why they claim them when they need a real support, before a fall, a wound, when they are bad, they are afraid, etc. It is normal that they go to their attachment figures, as they have confidence and security in them. However, when this attachment is excessive, and extends to more circumstances, we can talk about mamitis.
How does mamitis manifest itself?
When a child has mastitis, we can observe manifestations of the following type:
1. Cry when another person has to dress him or take care of him / her.
2. Claim mom or dad (depending on who has developed the mamitis) for everyday things that should not require more security or confidence such as feeding, sleeping, dressing, etc.
3. They are nervous when they are in the care of other people, or their attachment figures are far from them and / or them.
4. They develop anxiety before separation, mamitis is the common name for separation anxiety.
5. Reclaim constantly to the figure of attachment, who feels unable to do anything without his little or little one calling him.
Why does mamitis appear?
The mamitis is a reaction of excessive attachment. It usually appears when the child does not have sufficient security and fears that their attachment figures do not want or care for them. This fear makes them extremely dependent on their attachment figures. When they fear not being cared for and do not trust themselves to do so, they respond by clinging excessively to their attachment figures.
In certain moments of childhood it is normal for mastitis to appear or to become more intense. Let's see some of these situations:
- The arrival of a new brother.
- An illness.
- Start school.
- Incorporation of mom or dad to work, after months dedicated only to the baby.
- Separation or divorce of the parents.
- Death of a relative.
- Moving.
- Any situation that generates discomfort.
6 tricks to solve the mamitis
1. With time and understanding it will end up happening. In most cases it is a transitory phase that only requires a little patience and a lot of affection.
2. Support self-confidence. With your vigilance let them go doing things for themselves.
3. Avoid overprotection, since with her we promote this type of attitude.
4. Slowly help him gain confidence in other people nearby, You can try to keep close (enough for the little one to see you), and let others take care of him or her.
5. Develop your self-esteem.
6. In case the problem does not stop, consultation with a specialist.
Celia Rodríguez Ruiz. Clinical health psychologist. Specialist in pedagogy and child and youth psychology. Director of Educa and Learn. Author of the collection Stimulate Reading and Writing Processes.
