How to Help a Child with Separation Anxiety

Many children go through separation anxiety as a normal part of their development, according to the website Kids Health. As your child faces new life experiences, such as going to school, daycare or social functions, she may become anxious to have you stay with her. However, you can help her through this developmental stage and move toward being a more confident and secure young person.

Instructions

    • 1

      Talk about upcoming events. Whether your child is attending a new daycare center, a birthday party of a friend or starting a new school year, discuss the event with her several days beforehand. Talk about how long she will be there, what activities she might do and what time she will come home.

    • 2

      Answer her questions. She may want to know where you will be while she is there. Tell her you will be home, at work or somewhere else. Be careful not to suggest or tell her you are going to be any place having too much fun without her.

    • 3

      Do trial runs when practical. When she will be faced with a new situation, take her to the school, daycare center or friend's house, for example. Go in together and check it out. Encourage her to become acquainted with the people who will be there. Help her find the restrooms, coat closets or anything else she may get anxious about once she is there.

    • 4

      Pick her up when you say you will. Allow extra time for getting stuck in traffic, so she won't be in a panic wondering where you are. For her to become comfortable being away from you, it is important that she be able to count on your word about when you will come back for her.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Should My Son Be My Student in Preschool?
      Q I teach preschool to three- and four-year-olds and my son is in my class. Do you think that I should send him to another preschool in our area next year to get him ready for kindergarten or let him stay in my class? He has an older sister who has b
    • Parenting: Behavior Modification for a 5 Year Old
      When dealing with young children, it is imperative to be consistent. It is also imperative that you, as the parent, remain in control at all times. With a strong-willed child, this can be difficult. If you cannot control the child, you must control t
    • Biggest Causes of Sibling Rivalry
      Most people who grew up with a sibling know what sibling rivalry is like, from the screaming matches to the silent treatment. In most cases, sibling rivalry is healthy and normal and tends to subside with age. For parents to be able to help their chi