What behavior best describes a child in the detachment phase?

The detachment phase refers to a stage where a child may exhibit a lack of interest or emotional engagement with their caregivers, which can be a common response to prolonged separation or distress. In this phase, the child may become indifferent to their caregivers and instead focus on engaging with material objects or surroundings rather than seeking emotional connections. This behavior indicates a withdrawal from previous attachments, as the child becomes accustomed to the absence of their parents and attempts to cope by shifting their focus away from relationships.

This phase is significant because it highlights the child's struggle to manage their feelings of loss or neglect, resulting in a protective emotional response that often includes disengagement. Understanding this behavior helps caregivers and child life specialists approach interventions with sensitivity and promote reconnection as the child begins to feel safe and supported again.