EASING YOUR CHILD'S SEPARATION ANXIETY
EASING YOUR CHILD'S SEPARATION ANXIETY
by: Jasmine Reed
We get lots of new faces throughout the year, here at Vinehouse. Though our staff is well-experienced, and we have such a warm and welcoming environment, it doesn’t always put our newest Vinehouse family members at ease.
Being in a new environment with new people can take a minute for your child to adjust to. Especially without the familiar face of mom or dad. The crying and fussiness is expected, due to the separation anxiety they’re experiencing, but we have some ways that can help put you and them at ease during this phase.
Let’s start by explaining what separation anxiety really is. It’s pretty self-explanatory, but according to psychologytoday.com, “it refers to excessive fear or worry about separation from home or an attachment figure.” Again, this would explain the fussiness and crying when left in a strange place, but is completely normal. The website also states that you can probably expect this up until around two years old, when they’ve reached a level of comprehension that you’re coming back.
One way to help get them adjusted is to familiarize them with the idea of being left with others. So you’ll have to practice spending time apart, which can be hard. We know. But, this is something that would be beneficial to implement before they start daycare, etc. According to healthychildren.org, things like short visits to grandma’s house, playdates and soliciting the help of sitters would be great places to start. This way, when school starts, you leaving them isn’t such a big deal. Especially when they know you’re coming back. So, it’s also important to return when you say you will.
Another thing healthychildren.org suggests, is leaving something familiar with them, such as a stuffed animal, toy, etc. Just something that can help calm them down or is a source of security and familiarity for them. Loving, quick goodbyes are also a great practice to implement. Lingering can do more harm than good.
We know the first few drop-offs are the hardest for you and your little one. We see it all the time. But implementing some of these strategies and preparing ahead of time can really help!
For more tips on how to ease your child’s separation anxiety, be sure to visit the healthychildren.org website.