Separation anxiety is something that all toddlers will go through at some time.  Many toddlers will go through separation anxiety, it will seem to ease up, and then it will return full force.  Luckily, there are some things that you can do to help ease the heartache that is experienced by both the child and the parent where separation anxiety is concerned.  Knowing how to help your child will make the period of separation easier on both of you, and will help your child feel safe and secure no matter where he or she is or how long you are gone. 

What To Do When Separation Anxiety Occurs 

The best thing you can do for your child is prepare them for the experience.  Talk to them, on their level, about where they will be going, what they will be doing, and who will be taking care of them while you are gone.  Let them know that while you will be leaving, you will be coming back. Sometimes a child just needs to know that you will be coming back for them.  Tell them all of these things many times. 

Before you ever plan on leaving your child, make sure you expose them to many different people.  As parents we have a tendency to keep our children away from people, but it’s actually good for your child to be exposed to many different kinds of people, even if it is just in your presence. This allows your child to feel comfortable with people outside of his or her parents. 

Another thing you can do is read books about going to daycare, staying with grandma, or with a family friend.  While your child may not be able to hear it coming from you, they will often learn through an experience of a character in a book. Many children are enthusiastic about being cared for by someone else after they have watched their favorite character go through the same process.  You can also introduce the idea through movies or even songs or rhymes.   

When you leave your child, it is normal for them to feel some anxiety.  Get down on their level and tell them where you are going and that you will be back for them.  Be firm but loving and allow them to see you go.  Sneaking away will not make the situation easier for the child, it will just create more anxiety when they realize that you have gone without saying goodbye.  Talk to your child, and show them through your actions that you will come back, just like you said.  In time this will get a lot easier for you both!

Posted in Toddler Time

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