If leaving your child or kid daily at daycare or preschool is a hectic activity with lots of tears and clingy behavior, it’s a clear sign that your child suffers from separation anxiety.

We often observed that parents whose children had separation anxiety can easily panic more than their children. But, there is no need to worry; a clear idea and knowledge of this problem help parents or caretakers to overcome their kids’ separation anxiety.

What is separation anxiety?

Separation anxiety in a child is known as the fear or trauma of being alone and far away from their parent or caregiver. It can begin at 8 months to 18 months age group children. Generally, suppose it is tackled well by parents with little care and behavior modification. In that case, it remains for a short span, but if a child displays separation anxiety for more than 4 weeks, it is known as “Separation Anxiety Disorder.”

Symptoms of separation anxiety

Some common symptoms of separation anxiety  are as follows:

• Constant fear of losing the parent or caretaker
• Not ready to adopt new places or environments
• Unable to sleep alone 
• Nightmares that depicts the separation from the parent
• Permanent complain of headaches or stomach aches by a child despite proper treatment

Tips to ease your childs separation anxiety

   1. Introduce him/her to new places

Try not to be an overprotective parent by limiting your child’s experience from the outer world and people. Introduce your kids to new places and people; it helps them to overcome their separation anxiety.

   2. Develop a Strong relationship

As a parent, make sure to develop a positive and robust relationship with your children by making them believe that you will not leave them, fulfill your promises and, don’t frighten them from the dark or any specific information.

   3. Don’t label him/her as a crying baby

Never ever label your child, saying “They cried every time,” or “Change is not a thing for him.”

A parent must give confidence to their child that leads them to change their troublesome behavior.

   4. Develop a goodbye ritual

Develop a ritual of saying goodbye to your child whenever leaving him at any place—not saying goodbye and leaving your child unsure when you will return? Such an act not only builds mistrust and insecurity but also leads your child toward separation anxiety.

   5. Be Consistent during drop-in and drop-off 

Always be consistent during drop-in and drop off with your child from daycare or any new place. 

Give your child confidence and tell them when you come back in an understandable concept for children, like after playtime or lunch. After saying goodbye, leave your child, because lingering around develops uncertainty in your words.

   6. Allow the child to take their comfort toy or thing with them

A teddy bear, favorite toy, pillow, or anything your child has most of the time at home can be the best comfort for him at new places. These particular comfort objects can be with them when you are not.

   7. Gradually increase the separation period

Start separating your children by leaving them at a new place for a small amount of time, then increase it to longer intervals. This strategy allows newborns and toddlers to know better about their caregivers and become familiarized with their surroundings.

Remember: There are different developmental phases. Separation anxiety is also a phase a toddler goes through; with a bit of extra parental care, help, persistence, and patience, a child can learn that separation is just fine and not a big deal.

But if it becomes an ongoing problem, it’s necessary to seek professional guidance.