Dealing with Separation Anxiety

(429 Words)
It can be very difficult to deal with a toddler’s separation anxiety. It might break your heart to see your child crying for you, but you cannot always be with him or her. Various strategies can help make it easier on both you and your child.
Understand that separation anxiety is normal. Many children experience it. The good thing is that it generally will start to get better very soon. The most common time for separation anxiety for children is 8 to 14 months, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Remember that there is nothing that you did wrong to cause it. Some children simply experience it more or for longer than others.
Do not give in and stay if your child is fine when you leave. Many toddlers experience separation anxiety at the actual moment the parent leaves the room but then are fine afterwards. If this is the case with you, then try not to let that one temper tantrum stop you from going out to do the things you want or need to do; especially if you dedicate most of your time to your child, you might need a little time off to do something else. Sometimes there are necessities such as going to a doctor’s appointment.
There are many things that you can do to help your child through this time. Parents Magazine suggests finding a caregiver with whom he or she is already comfortable with like a beloved grandparent or a trusted caregiver. This will make him or her deal with it better.
Routines can also help. If you always run your errands in the morning, the child might come to expect it. If you suddenly leave at night, he or she may have more difficulty.
You should also try to deal with all of your child’s other needs. For instance, a tired and hungry child is more likely to have separation anxiety than a child who is well fed and rested. Make sure that you take care of your child’s needs.
Also consider distractions to help your child deal with the anxiety and thus make it easier for you. For instance, let the babysitter play with a new, exciting toy just before you leave or right after. You might even be able to sneak out without your child realizing it and getting upset.
If you are having trouble dealing with your child’s separation, you might want to talk to other moms who have gone through the same thing. You are not alone, and chances are it will get better very soon.