#anecdote #storytellng #child_development #parenting In the [[The Whole-Brain Child]] Thomas's four-year-old daughter, Katie, loved her preschool and never minded saying goodbye to her dad when it was time for him to leave— until the day she got sick in class. Her teacher phoned Thomas to come and pick her right away. From that day and after, Katie began crying when it was time to get ready for school, even though she was fine. Morning after morning it was harder for Thomas to get her dressed fro school. Katie would increasingly "freak out" once they got out in the parking lot for her school. She would put resistance and make it very had to walk to the school. Katie would hold his hand very tight and would not let go of her father. When Thomas finally could release himself from her clutches and exit the school room he would hear Katie cry very loud "I'll die if you leave me!" **Note**: Katie lived for her school before she got sick. She loved the activities, the friends, the stories and adored her teacher. ### Key Insight: - This is a classical example of a child not being integrated. [[ENG - Integration Helps Different Parts of the Brain Work Together]] - Children. particularly young children (Katie's age) suffer from separation anxiety. They use mostly the right side of their brain and thus are more emotional and not logical [[ENG - The Left and Right Brain - Logic vs. Emotion]] - When your toddler starts asking *"WHY"* it is then when their left brain is kicking in. - Katie's dad can use the [[ENG - Name It to Tame It – Emotional Regulation Technique]] to help Katie get over her traumatic experience and love school again