| The sound of your child wailing and clinging desperately | | | | night's sleep. Children are easier to deal with when |
| to you as you try and escape to the door is enough to | | | | they are rested and have a full belly.o Let your child |
| make any parent want to run back to them, sweep | | | | know that you will be back. Try and tell them in an |
| them up and promise to never leave them again. But | | | | amount of time they will understand such as after |
| the reality is that sometimes moms and dads have to | | | | lunch, naptime or playtime outside.o Once you are at |
| leave their little ones behind either for work, a doctor's | | | | the daycare center, don't linger. Look your child in the |
| appointment, or maybe just to have a quiet moment | | | | eye, tell them goodbye, hugs and kisses and leave. |
| alone. Separation anxiety is one of the most | | | | And even if you hear screaming, do not come back. |
| heart-wrenching problems to deal with when it comes | | | | This sends the wrong message to your child that if |
| to children. But it is a problem that has to be dealt with | | | | they scream loud enough mommy will return.o Don't |
| since you can't possibly be with your child every | | | | sneak out on them. This might sound like an easy out |
| moment of every day. | | | | at the time but this usually causes distrust and more |
| Here are some ways to help you and your child deal | | | | distress for the child when they realize you are gone.o |
| with separation anxiety.o Make sure they are familiar | | | | It often helps if the childcare provider takes your child |
| and comfortable with their surroundings and the people | | | | away from you after you've said goodbye and tries to |
| you are leaving them with. If it is a new daycare, visit | | | | engage them with a toy or a fun activity.o Never scold |
| the center a few times with your child to allow them to | | | | your child for being scared or upset, just quickly |
| get to familiar with their new surroundings, teachers | | | | comfort them and reassure them you will be back. |
| and children there.o If possible, allow the child to bring | | | | Is it Really Gone? |
| along a favorite stuffed animal or blanket. Sometimes | | | | Once your child gets into the routine and is no longer |
| having these items there gives them a sense of | | | | screaming and crying when you leave, it is important to |
| security.o Arrange play dates with some of the | | | | praise them for being such a "big girl" or "big boy". |
| children at the childcare center ahead of time so your | | | | Remember even when you think you may be home |
| child can form some relationships.o Prepare your child | | | | free and the separation anxiety is gone, it can come |
| ahead of time for the separation by letting them know | | | | back just as quickly as it left. The important thing to |
| where they will be going. You can describe some of | | | | remember is that most children only cry for a few |
| the fun things they will be doing at school and it is a | | | | minutes after their parents have left. If it makes you |
| good idea to let them know what you will be doing | | | | feel better you can even call the daycare center later |
| while you are away from them. This lets them know | | | | to check on your child to see how they are doing. |
| you aren't leaving them because you don't want to be | | | | Separating from your child can be heartbreaking at |
| with them but because you have things you have to | | | | first but it helps them build independence, social |
| do.o Make sure your child has breakfast and a good | | | | maturity and form relationships. |