How to Manage Your Child’s Separation Anxiety


Spending time apart from your child might be difficult for both of you. However, saying goodbye can also cause anxiety and upset in your child. Here are some things to be aware of and methods you may assist your child in coping with such unpleasant feelings and eventually feeling more safe and secure.

What exactly is separation anxiety?

Many children experience separation anxiety while going to preschool for the first time. When their parent or primary caregiver leaves their sight, young infants and toddlers might get frightened; they are still learning that these separations are only brief.

What are some symptoms that my kid may be suffering from separation anxiety?
  • When you leave them at Childcare Cypress CA center, they become more clinging.
  • Crying or clinging in unfamiliar settings (primarily from 6 months to 3 years)
  • Refusing to sleep in the absence of you or another caregiver
  • After sleeping through the night, I started crying at night.

Keep in mind that it is normal for your newborn or toddler to be concerned while you are not around. Make an effort to treat them kindly and compassionately.

What can I do to aid my child?

There is no reason to feel bad if you must leave your child for a short time. Instead, concentrate on teaching your child how to handle their emotions without your support - a vital step in helping them become more independent.

Discuss what you will do together afterward.

The worry of not seeing you again contributes to children's anxiety when you leave. Discussing your return plans might help to alleviate this anxiety: "When I finish work, I'll come to pick you up and we can go to the playground and swing together."

Practice minor separations before progressing to longer ones.

Cypress CA preschool teachers suggest parents observe how it goes if you leave your child with a trusted friend or relative while you run a brief errand. This will help your child to gradually adjust to being separated.

To aid with separation anxiety, leave a soft toy or blanket with your child. When a youngster is angry or cranky, a unique toy might help them self-soothe.

When your child is terrified, comfort them.

Listen to what your youngster has to say when you're together. Always reply with empathy and compassion and avoid trivializing their concerns. Look for nonverbal indicators such as fussing or excessive clinginess.

Any new caregiver should be introduced gradually.

If you're preparing to introduce a new babysitter, plan some quick get-togethers with the three of you before leaving your youngster alone with him or her. This way, if you have to leave your child with them for an extended amount of time, they won't be a stranger.

Make your goodbyes brief and positive.

Saying farewell is painful not just for your child, but also for you! When saying farewell, do your best to stay calm and cheerful. Smile, reassure your child you'll see them soon, and hurry out the door. Maintaining this pattern can help your child become accustomed to drop-offs and will comfort them that you will always be there for them.