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It is normal for your child to feel nervous when it’s time to stay with a caregiver. Separation can be difficult for both the child and the parent, but children can begin to feel comfortable, and separation anxiety will improve with these strategies.
Prepare
Before it’s time to leave the child, discuss what will happen. Let him know you will leave him with a babysitter, what you will be doing while you are gone, and assure him you will be back. If possible, plan something fun the child and caregiver can do together. If a child knows what to expect, they have the opportunity to ask questions and ease some of the apprehension they may feel.
Practice
Young children, especially infants, benefit from easing into a new routine. Try leaving the child for short periods of time before going back to work full-time. By slowly increasing the length of time, the child will be able to develop a relationship with their caregiver and adjust to being away from the parent.
Be consistent
Do your best to use the same caregiver each time you leave so that the child feels more comfortable. Your child will spend a lot of time with the babysitter, especially if the parents work full-time outside the home, and it is important that children feel safe and comfortable with them.
Choose the best time
A child who is sick, hungry, or tired is more likely to struggle with separation anxiety. Make sure she is fed and rested before it is time for you to leave.
Keep it familiar
If possible, have the caregiver come to your home where your child feels most comfortable. If that is not possible, have the child bring something from home that makes him feel comfortable, such as a special stuffed animal or blanket, a photo of the family, or a favorite toy. Another idea is to have the caregiver bring a special toy along with her that the child will recognize and associate with her each time, helping to create consistency and comfort for the child.
Set a time limit
When it is time to leave, give your child a time you will return. Toddlers do not understand the concept of time, but you can let them know they can expect you after a specific activity. Explain that you will be home after lunch, when naptime is done, or when the movie is over (let the caregiver know when to start the movie). This will help the child understand what time you will be home and relax when you to leave.
Leave quickly
When it is time to go, even if it is as hard for you as it is for the child, leave without fanfare. Say goodbye, give one last kiss or hug, remind them you will be back soon and leave. Quickly! Of all the tips this is probably the simplest and the most important. Your child is looking to you for how to react to the situation and if you are calm, happy, and confident, they will begin to feel that way too.
Develop a goodbye ritual
Developing a special goodbye with your child creates consistency and it is also fun. A goodbye ritual is when you and your child say goodbye the exact same way each day. This routine can make the child feel comfortable when you leave and confident you will return.
Separation anxiety is age appropriate for children from infancy to around 3 years old. These coping strategies can help both you and your child feel at ease when it is time to leave him with a caregiver. In time, children do outgrow their anxiety over separation. Most parents will tell you that one day they are surprised to find their child happily walks into school without shedding a tear, while they themselves still tear up a little.
Goodbye Rituals
Creating a goodbye ritual with your child can help give them a sense of comfort because they know what to expect. They will feel safe in their surroundings and have confidence their parent will return, as always. Here are some ideas to start your own goodbye ritual.
- Read a book together before you leave
- Draw a picture together then leave the picture with the child
- Have the child wave at the window
- Give one last kiss and one last hug
- Create a special wave or handshake
- Sing a goodbye song
- Give her kisses to keep in her pocket for later and ask for some for your pocket
Sarah Lyons is a mother of six children, including 2-year-old triplets. She will try some of these tips as her triplets head off to Mother’s Day Out this year.