Does your toddler have separation anxiety? Like when you walk out of the room for a while he will start crying, kicking and screaming?
Many parents also experienced what you’re going through right now. Your child might be acting that way because for nine months, he stayed inside your tummy where it feels safe and warm. He has always been attached to you and being outside, in an unfamiliar environment, can make him feel scared and confused. As a mother, it is your duty to help them learn how to adjust with their new surroundings and get used to it.
Here are some tips to help your child cope with separation anxiety:
- Start out small. Allow your child to play in the living room as you go to the next room (which has to be in eye view) to do a certain task such as folding clothes. Make sure you are keeping eye contact with him. Speak in positive way and use reassuring words. The first time may not work, but just keep on trying it over and over until they get used with you being in the next room while he plays on the other one.
- Stretch the time being gone. When dad or another caregiver comes home, go and take a shower or soak in a nice bubble bath. Reassure your baby that you will be back. Never sneak away from your child because this will leave a bad coping skill with him and think you are never coming back.
- Wait for 15 to 20 minutes before showing your presence to the baby. Hug your child and let him know that you missed him. Let him feel that even if you left his side, you will always get back to him. After you do this a few times and your child gets used to the idea of you being gone for that short span of time, try going to the store for a longer period of time.
You can continue to stretch each trip until you feel comfortable with the time you are being gone, for example if you are trying to build up to a night out of town with your significant other.
Taking things slowly will help your toddler overcome separation anxiety with much less tears and heartbreak and it will reduce your stress as well. Your baby will continue to grow his independence from you and will soon love his newly found freedom of spending playtime with dad, grandma or grandpa, and other relatives and friends.
If you think you are getting nowhere after a few trials, you can always ask for advice from your relatives and friends who have gone through the same situation. Talking or consulting with a professional might also be helpful for you.
If you want to take the last option, Cecile de Scally of BabySenseDubai will be happy to provide you with professional advice on how to help your child cope with separation anxiety. Click here for more information >>
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