Difficulty: Moderately challenging
Things You’ll Need:
- Baby Blankets
- Infant/toddler Toys
Step1
Say goodbye to your child every time you leave, even if your child is busy playing.
Step2
Keep it short and sweet - drawn out goodbyes are hard on everyone.
Step3
Tell your child (no matter how old) that you are leaving, who will be caring for her and that you will see her later.
Step4
Inform your child who will be picking her up.
Step5
Establish a goodbye routine, such as reading one last book or giving a final wave goodbye from a window.
Step6
Enlist the support of your child's primary caregiver in the day care setting if your child is having a hard time separating.
Step7
Encourage your child to bring something special to the child care setting, such as a blanket or soft toy to help when she needs to be comforted.
Step8
Provide photographs of mom, dad and other special people for your child to hold and gaze at when she is missing you.
Step9
Encourage your child to talk about her feelings when you pick her up. Remind her that you always come back.
Step10
Keep in mind that strategies for successful goodbyes that work with one child may not work with another.