Separation anxiety is a perfectly normal part of childhood. Some babies become hysterical when their parents are out of sight for a short time while others seem to demonstrate ongoing anxiety at separation during infancy , toddler and preschool age. There are various tricks that can help parents manage and deal with separation anxiety.
How to deal with separation separation anxiety
- Create a short goodbye ritual : Keep your goodbyes short and sweet. If you linger, the transition time does too and so will the anxiety.
- Be consistent : Use the same drop off ritual overtime. It will make is easier for you and allow the child to build trust in her independence and in you.
- Follow through on promises : It is important to make sure that you return when you have promised to. This will help your child develop confidence that she can make it through the day without you.
- Attention : When separating, give the child your full attention, be loving and provide affection . Then say a quick goodbye.
- Practice : Practice being apart from your child and slowly introduce your child to new people and places. It is a good idea to invite the child’s baby sitter to come and spend time with the child while you’re around . If your child is going to a daycare or a new school, make a few visits there before the child begins.
How to ease your child’s separation anxiety. American Academy of Pediatrics.https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/Pages/Soothing-Your-Childs-Separation-Anxiety.aspx. Accessed April 30th, 2018
Separation Anxiety. Nemour’s Foundation. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sep-anxiety.html. Accessed April 30th, 2018
Separation anxiety in children. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/parenting/separation-anxiety#1. Accessed April 30th, 2018