Being away from your children can prove to be painful for both of you. Saying goodbyes will likely create feelings of upset and worry in your kid. Firstly, it is important to understand what separation anxiety is. Separation anxiety is commonly found in many children, especially the ones aged between 6 months and 3 years. It is a fact that toddlers and young children can easily become anxious if their parent or even their primary caretaker leaves their sight.
They are still in the process of learning that such separations are just temporary. A little worry might be normal, especially if your child is much older. However, in a lot of cases, the situation gets serious and must be handled with care. Learning about the right strategies is highly crucial here. Here is how to help your child handle separation anxiety.
Understand the Signs
The most important step you should take is to first understand whether or not your children is going through separation anxiety. Here are some common signs you should look for:
- The kid cries once you leave the room.
- The baby cries in any new situation.
- Your child refuses to sleep if a parent is not nearby.
- The kid wakes up and cries in the middle of the night.
- He/she stops crying once you return.
Practice Separation
It is highly recommended to schedule play dates with family and friends or arrange a babysitter before the time to leave your children at a childcare centre comes. This will serve as a practice to minimise the impact of the separation on your children later on once the school starts. Additionally, you should look to talk with parents of other children about this issue and how they deal with it. Even while you are on the playground, stay there but back up a little so that your kid has the freedom to go and do things on their own.
Try to Build Familiarity
If you are leaving your children in a place they are unfamiliar with, such as with a relative or at a
childcare centre, it might be a great option to spend some time with them at that place so that they can familiarise themselves with the new surroundings and understand that they will be safe there. Giving them a tiny token that helps them remember you will also help when they are missing your presence. Work with your kid to find a small object that they will take with them to the new environment. Anything that reminds them about you will help a lot.
Clearly Communicate
If your
kid has separation anxiety, talk about your parenting style and their behaviour patterns with their caretaker as well as teacher. This way, they will know what to expect and the best way to respond. Communicating with your child is also paramount. Explain to them how long you will be away and when you will come back. It will make them aware of the fact that they will see you again soon. The more consistent you are with communication, the more they will trust the fact that you will return, and the better it will be for their mental health.
Wrapping Up
Separation anxiety is quite common nowadays in children, especially in younger children. This is where you should learn the best strategies that will allow you to help your children manage it. Follow the tips mentioned in this article to make sure your child’s mental health is not affected much by separation.
