Separation from your kids can be painful and saddening for both. Sometimes, a goodbye can arouse feelings of anxiety and upset your little ones.
This type of anxiety typically varies between kids. Some kids can become uncontrollable when their mother goes out of sight, even for a shorter time. In contrast, others may clarify the ongoing anxiety of separation during infancy, preschool, and toddlerhood. Whether you are a working parent or need to go out often, you should learn the trick for overcoming separation anxiety that demands practice, small transitions, and evolution of time.
In this guide, we will help you manage such a distressing feeling and feel safer and secure. But before that, let us know what this separation anxiety is!
What is separation anxiety?
Separation anxiety is seen among many children, mostly in infancy. Yes, it is most common in children aged between 6 months and 3 years. They become very anxious when they cannot see their parents or primary caregiver.
Signs of Separation Anxiety in Children
Separation anxiety in children is not very difficult to notice. You may have seen that babies cry a lot at daycare drop. It is a sign of separation anxiety in children. Apart from this, other signs include:
- Being excessively clingy when you are out of sight
- Crying in new situations
- Refusing to sleep without you or a nearby caregiver
- Starts crying in the middle of the night
Always remember that separation anxiety is completely a natural feeling for your children when you are not by their side. It is important to treat them delicately and show compassion.
Tips to reduce Separation Anxiety in Children
Well, it can be a moment of unhappiness to leave your children for a shorter time, but there is no reason to be guilty of it. The best way to deal with this feeling is by focusing on helping your kid learn how to manage their anxiety away from you. Of course, an important part of encouraging them is to become more self-dependent.
Tip #1. Talk about your plans with them after your return.
One of the reasons why your child is feeling anxious is the fear of not seeing you again. So, you can discuss your plans after your return to help them ease their anxiety.
For example, tell them that after finishing your work, you will come back and pick them up. You can go to the lawn and play together.
Tip #2. Practice for Shorter separations and move towards longer ones.
It is better to practice leaving your kids with a relative or a trustworthy friend while you quickly go to work. Observe how it goes as this will help your children to get used to staying apart from you gradually.
Tip #3. Comfort when in fear.
When you both spend time together, patiently listen to their side of the story. Make sure to respond to them with compassion and consider their worries. Also, look for gestural cues like clinginess and extra sobbing.
Tip #4. Try to be consistent.
You can make it a routine to drop off every day at the same time to avoid any unexpected factors as much as possible. Following a daily ritual can lower the pain and discomfort in children. Simultaneously, it helps to build trust in you and be independent.
Tip #5. Keep a blanket or soft toys with children.
If your child already has a favorite comfort object is great. Otherwise, introduce one. A special toy or blanket helps them to soothe their mind independently when they feel very upset because of separation.
Tip #6. Slowly introduce a new caregiver.
Before hiring a new caregiver for your child, it is better to arrange small get-togethers. When the three of you meet and get to know each other, let your child spend some alone time with them. This will help you leave your child with them for a longer period. Plus, the new caregiver won’t be a stranger to your child anymore.
Tip #7. Goodbyes should be positive and quick
Both of you feel it difficult to say goodbye! So, try to be positive and calmly say goodbye. Keep a smile on your face and tell your child that you will come back soon.
When you make this a routine, children get used to such drop-offs and assure that the separation is temporary. However, if you linger for a longer time, the transition time also continues longer.