How to Ease a Child's Separation Anxiety
Parents, especially mothers, often have the problem of separation anxiety when it comes to a point in time when they must leave their child for a short time. Because the child has a strong emotional attachment to his mother, he is so traumatized by her leaving that he gets stressed out and psychologically affected with separation anxiety. This can in turn lead to “clingy” behavior of the child towards mom and also screaming fits and tantrums even when she leaves the room for a few minutes. Easing the child’s separation anxiety can prove difficult and stressful but is perfectly normal and part of a child’s development and will take time to achieve success, making life much easier on both mom and child.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
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1
Play "peek-a-boo" with young babies and small children. When you hide your face, this represents being away; when you take away your hands, this represents coming back or returning. This exercise will help ease baby's fears about losing you.
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2
Tell baby that you are leaving and will be back soon. Do not just sneak out of the house while baby is distracted.
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3
Calm baby’s screams by holding him and stroking his back. This will let him know you love him and even though you haven’t left yet; you will return.
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4
Explain to your baby where you will be during any medical procedures he may have to have. If baby is excessively distressed at the thought of you not being there with him; your health care professional may be able to administer a mild sedative to help with your child’s trauma.
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5
Invite babies and moms over to your house in order to demonstrate separation from mom to your child. Have the moms leave the room while the babies stay with you. Evaluate your baby's reaction to that situation.
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6
Get psychotherapy for your baby if the separation anxiety extends past two years old or if it interferes with school attendance or other social or academic activities. The child will learn how to recognize anxiety as it is beginning to happen and will be shown how to control it and understand his condition. Anxiety drugs may be prescribed in certain cases, however Passiflora may be helpful as an alternative medicine with no side effects.
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