Many babies and toddlers experience separation anxiety throughout the first two years of their lives.
Many mums or dads will have been their baby’s almost constant companion for at least the first few months after their birth and it is understandable that infants and young children are a little upset when the time comes for you to return to work or to even go on a well deserved weekend away.
We have some tips to sooth an anxious tot and help make your mornings a little less dramatic.
- Whether you are returning to work or dropping off your baby for the weekend it is important that your child is familiar with your babysitter. If you are hiring somebody new to care for your child, introduce your baby to him or her a few weeks before you plan to return to work. By introducing your baby to their new minder, it will help your child become more familiar with this person. Try not to switch child minders too frequently and when you are choosing childcare for your baby, make sure you research your employees well. Hire someone you can trust to be your employee for the long term. Familiarity is the key to easing your child’s anxiety.
- If you have a child minder or caregiver who is willing to care for your baby in your home, this can be helpful. Being in a familiar place will ease your child's anxiety. However this is often not practical. If your child is attending a crèche or being cared for away from your home, allow them to bring something familiar like a security blanket or a favourite toy with them to comfort them if they become upset.
- Keep your goodbyes short and sweet and develop a routine. Kiss your baby goodbye and say you will return later. Don’t hang around. Leave quickly after you have said goodbye. Don’t be lured back into the room by wails and crying. This will show your child that crying is a way to get you to return and next time, it will only prolong the episode.
- Avoid sneaking off. This can make your child lose trust in what you say and by tricking them; you will ultimately increase their anxiety.
- Spend some time together when you return. After a day away from you, it is important for your tot to spend some one on one time with their mum or dad. Make this part of your routine and it will soon show your child that you always come home.
