8. Separation Anxiety Strategies For Parents

7/24/2020

Do your children have hard time saying goodbye to you every morning when you drop them off at daycare? Do your children super attach to you after coming back from child care? Do your children cry or cling as you’re leaving the room? Separation anxiety is children’s common and normal fear of being away from their caregivers. It normally happened around 7-9 months old until then reach preschool age. It’s not just disappear, most of the time children need support to overcome that. Today I will share with you 3 tips of supporting your children coping with separation anxiety.

The first tip is to practice separation. you can start practice by playing peek-a-boo with  them, this game reinforces the understanding of object permanence and the idea that when you leave you always come back. Next, you can practice separation by leaving for a very brief period at first. Gradually extend the time as your children learn that you will leave and return.  You can also begin separation with a grandparent or friend your child knows already. To help your children getting use to you for not being present all the time.

The second tip is to develop a quick goodbye ritual. Creating a quick but warm goodbye ritual, like a good bye kiss or special wave.  Parents should leave without making a big deal, trusting that the educators know how to support your child’s big emotions.The longer you stay in the room the harder your children to soothe down. Most important, never leave without saying goodbye. Sneaking away only do more harm than good and cause more anxiety on them.  

Last but not least, the third tip is to stay calm and use comfortable tools to support your children. Parents should speck calmly and direct to your children when they upset. Make eye contact and soothe them with reassuring words and gentle caresses. Tell them that you need to leave, but you will be back. You may also give your children a familiar object like their favorite blanket or doll. It can provide comfort and help your children feel safe and secure in an unfamiliar situation

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