Separation Anxiety

It is so hard to say "goodbye" sometimes and separation anxiety makes this already challenging ordeal seemingly unbearable.

Everyday, four year old Kim came to class in tears. She struggled with transitioning to a classroom environment when she was used to being at home with her mom and dad. Everyday I reassured her that Teacher loved her, would take care of her, and her parents would be coming for her after class. Even with my consistence, Kim still struggled with separating from her parents. After enlisting the help of Kim's parents and asking them to begin a "goodbye" routine (hug, special object related to family, saying they would be seeing her after class), I noticed drastic improvement in Kim's behavior towards coming to school. It took her a while to adjust but after efforts on both her parents part and mine, she finally understood that school was a safe and fun place.

 Easing Normal Separation Anxiety In Children

For children with normal separation anxiety, there are steps you can take to make the process of separation anxiety easier. 

Practice Separation: Leave your child with a caregiver for brief periods and short distances at first.

Schedule Separations After Naps or Feedings: Babies are more susceptible to separation anxiety when they're tired or hungry.

Develop a Goodbye Ritual: Rituals are reassuring and can be as simple as a special wave through the window or a goodbye kiss.

Keep Familiar Surroundings When Possible and Make New Surroundings Familiar: Have the sitter come to your house. When your child is away from home, let him or her bring a familiar object.

Have a Consistant Primary Care Giver: If you higher a care giver, try to keep him or her on the job.

Leave Without Fanfare: Tell your child you are leaving and that you will return, then go-don't stall.

Minimize Scary Television: Your child is less likely to be fearful if the shows you watch are not frightening.

Try Not to Give In: Reassure your child that he or she will be just fine-setting limits will help the adjustment to separation.