Helping Kids Deal With Separation Anxiety

During her first year of life, your newborn will develop a strong attachment to you. As young as six months old, your baby may start to become upset when you leave her at daycare, with a relative, or with the babysitter. Separation anxiety is a normal part of infant development. Most babies experience separation anxiety between 12 and 18 months of age, though early signs may be evident by six or seven months.

Toddlers usually experience separation anxiety when their parents leave them with a caregiver to go to work, run errands, or enjoy a night out. Although this normal stage in development typically only lasts a few months, it can be very frustrating and stressful for both the parents and the little one.

Some parents try to keep separations to a minimum as they wait for their child to outgrow the stage. But for many parents, returning to work is not an option. It may be easier to leave your little one with a friend or relative that she is already familiar with until she has resolved her separation anxieties. If you choose a caregiver that your baby doesn’t know, spend some time visiting the new environment prior to her first day. Separation may not be as difficult if your baby is at least somewhat familiar with her surroundings and the person she will be spending her time with.

Parents need to spend some time away from their children so leaving your little one with a relative or a paid care provider is usually inevitable. Make the separation as comfortable as possible for you and your baby. Always visit new care facilities with your baby before leaving her alone. Most childcare centers, even those at your church or gym, will welcome a brief visit from you and your child. Visit at least once before leaving your baby. Keep the visit short but give your little one time to play and explore her new environment. Stay close but allow your child to play and interact without you.

On the first day, you and your baby may want to arrive at the location about 30 minutes early. Tell your baby where you will be while you are away and assure her that you will be back to get her soon. Give her plenty of hugs and kisses, but try not to make your separation too big of a deal. You may want to stay in the building, but out of sight, for a few minutes to give your little one a chance to settle in. Once you leave, do not return until time to pick up your baby to go home. If your child is having an exceptionally hard time, try limiting the first stay to no more than an hour. If the provider’s rules allow it, a familiar toy, like the Baby Neptune Teethe and Tug Pal, may ease your little one’s anxieties.

Separation anxieties are a troublesome time for most parents and their toddlers. Though your baby may scream and cry like your departure is the end of the world, her fears will typically subside within the first 15 to 30 minutes. Remember this is a normal stage of development and do your best to help your child through it.

Article Source: http://www.parentingarticlelibrary.com

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