Kids And Separation Anxiety

Author: Jillian Smith

Day care issues of facility policy, additional charges and late
fees, and visitation rules are important issues but none seem as
pertinent as the problem of separation anxiety. Few parents
enjoy leaving their child with a stranger for hours at a time,
and though there are benefits to child care it is hardly on your
mind when faced with a child having a temper tantrum as you are
trying to leave the daycare facility to head to work. So how can
you ease this often temporary situation The solution lies within
yourself to come up with creative and personalized ways to ease
your child through one of the most difficult day care issues
separation anxiety.

Not all children have day care issues such as separation
anxiety. Some babies and children enjoy being around other
children in a new environment, and take to daycare right away.
Those parents are the lucky ones. But if you are experiencing
any of the following situations at drop off time, there are
changes you can make to get through this time of transition
(because it will pass). Don't mistake separation anxiety for
misbehaving. Understanding your child's fears is the first step.

Your child knows you as the source of comfort in his life and
even the smallest of children will experience fear when seeing
their mommy leave their surroundings and go away. What you say
and how you say it can be understood by your child. If you have
a baby you are nursing, try to schedule time to nurse your baby
right before you leave. Holding and comforting your baby this
way is a great way to make a connection, and talking to your
baby helps to relax him. If you are feeling anxious about
leaving your baby, he will most definitely sense this. If you
have done your homework, and are confident in the environment in
which you are leaving him, let this come through in your voice.
Your tone of voice will reassure him you'll be back soon and
that you love him.

Your toddler invariably starts his tantrum early, before you
even leave the house for the daycare center. Day care issues can
impact the home environment as well but there are ways to get
around this too. Start by being consistent. You have made up
your mind to put your child in daycare, stick to the routine.
Don't look for ways to skip days; it won't get your child
through this transition period any smoother. Before bedtime,
read storybooks that talk about daycare. Go to the library; the
librarian can help you choose books geared to your child's age.
At the very least, talk to your child during story time; explain
to him where you will be going and that you will be back for him
when you are done working.

Day care issues such as separation anxiety can last for up to
two weeks or longer depending on your child. If you feel he is
he exhibiting more serious reactions at drop off time than
previously or if he seems to be more upset or generally not your
happy child, maybe an unannounced visit to the facility is
called for. If you drop in and look around, you can help
yourself get a better picture of how your child's day is going.
Maybe he is unhappy because the environment is unhealthy for
him, and this is the only way he can tell you. Then it would be
time to change day care facilities.

About the author:
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