Ways to deal with your child’s separation anxiety
Does the baby become fussy when parents and caretakers leave his sight? He might be experiencing separation anxiety. The baby has been establishing a dependent relationship with the caregiver. Therefore, as soon as the person leaves, he will experience fear and anxiety.
The relationship between parent and baby is very close. Your baby still needs constant care and help from his/her parents. If the parents leave without telling the baby, it will make him/her feel abandoned, as if his/her parents do not want him/her anymore. The anxiety of being away from his/her familiar environment and people is called separation anxiety.
How to deal with it?
Gradual separation – Gradually increase the amount of time you spend away from your child, starting with short periods and gradually increasing the duration.
Prepare your child – Let your child know ahead of time when you will be leaving and when you will return.
Provide reassurance – Let your child know that you will always come back and that they are safe while you are away.
Create a comfort item – Allow your child to have a special item, such as a stuffed animal or blanket, that they can hold onto while you are away to provide comfort.
Consistency in care – If possible, try to keep the same caregiver for your child, this consistency can help reduce anxiety.
Positive reinforcement – Reinforce positive behavior when the child is separated, children who feel secure and safe are less likely to experience separation anxiety.
Finally, it is important to understand and implement the ‘goodbye’ practice with your kid.
Parents say ‘goodbye’
This simple ‘farewell ceremony’ is often ignored and overlooked. Most parents do not understand the importance of saying goodbye to your child before you depart. Most parents will be fearful of their child throwing a tantrum; therefore, they try to sneak away when the child is not looking.
It may resolve the issue now, but in the long run, this method may contribute to your child’s separation anxiety. As the child grows older, he/she will know that the parent may disappear without notice from time to time. Therefore, this always causes the child to be more attached to their parents. They will ensure that the parent is always in sight.
Baby say ‘goodbye’
It is easier for the child to say goodbye to the mother, when he/she is going out to play. You can allow your close family members to bring the child out for a while, while you stay at home.
Allow your child to say ‘goodbye’ to you; promise him/her that you’ll be waiting for him to return home. Once your child has had his fun time, bring the child home. Greet your child warmly when he reaches home.
Remember to not be absent when your child returns home from his play time. Your child may be upset when he/she finds that mummy is not at home as she had promised. If you have errands to run, remember to tell your child in advance. Communication is key, even at an early age.
If the situation is still not under control, seek professional help. If the separation anxiety is severe and impacting the child’s daily life, seek the help of a mental health professional who can provide guidance and support for both the child and the parents.
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“Empower your parenting journey with Mama Net! Whether you’re just starting your journey into parenthood or are a seasoned pro, Download our app for free on the App Store and Google Playstore for access to certified content, interactive tools, and a community of supportive parents and mothers.”
