How to Ease a Child's Separation Anxiety

Many children experience feelings of anxiety or nervousness when the time comes to separate from their parents. Separation anxiety is a normal part of early childhood development that can result in a variety of emotions and behaviors, such as crying, tantrums, fear that the parent won't return and clinginess. Although separation anxiety is normal, it can be problematic if it affects your child's well-being or ability to function -- for example, if it impacts your child's school attendance or performance or sleep quality. But by being consistent and providing reassurance, you can help ease your child's separation anxiety.

Instructions

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      Ensure that your child is well-rested and nourished. Children are more likely to experience feelings of separation anxiety if they are sick or feel hungry or tired, says HealthyChildren.org, a website of the American Academy of Pediatrics. If your child is sick, don't leave him alone. Instead, let him know that you'll be close by his side until he feels better.

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      Reassure your child that you will always return for her. Children with separation anxiety fear being left alone and don't feel secure in the knowledge that their parents will come back. By providing consistent, loving reassurance -- especially right before you leave -- you may be able to soothe your child's fears and help her trust you when you say that you won't leave her alone.

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      Maintain a positive attitude and avoid becoming upset by your child's fears and emotions, advises the Massachusetts General Hospital School Psychiatry Program and MADI Resource Center. Children learn by observing their parents' behaviors and attitudes. If you can stay calm, your child receives the message that there is nothing to fear.

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      Establish a goodbye ritual, suggests HelpGuide.org. A goodbye ritual provides consistency and helps your child feel reassured. It does not need to be elaborate -- you might simply decide to give your child a hug and a kiss and say "I love you."

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      Set firm, consistent and loving limits with your child, advises the Massachusetts General Hospital School Psychiatry Program and MADI Resource Center. Although you may feel tempted to stick around longer than necessary when it comes time to part, you might only be conveying your own feelings of anxiety about the situation. Empathize with your child's feelings. Tell him that you know it's not easy for him, but reassure him that even though you need to leave, he will be okay and you will be back.

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      Keep your promises, recommends Kids Health. Return when you say you will return. In order for your child to develop trust in you and have faith that you won't abandon her, she needs to know that she can count on you. If you need to be late, let a teacher or caregiver know exactly when you plan to pick up your child.

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