Sepanx is a popular term nowadays that simply means “Separation Anxiety”. Each one of us might have been aware of this dreadful feeling as early as our kindergarten days. And now, it’s time for your baby to feel the same. So mommy, expect that your child will give you goodbye tears every time you, basically, bid bye bye.
There are different reasons as to why your child experience separation anxiety. But basically, the main reason is that they believe that survival at any phase solely depends on the visibility of their parents or caregiver. When you leave your child, it makes him feel unsecured. He doesn't have a strong sense of time to figure out when will you return thus the clinging, screaming and crying. For him, leaving him for 30 minutes is the same as you not being around for a day. That’s how it works in his young mind.
You might be familiar with the line “Fake it till you make it”, soooo here we round up tricks and activities that you can use till your baby can make his way thru separation anxiety:
1. Your preschooler could bring a comfort object to school. This could help ease his separation anxiety and reassure him that he brings a piece of home with him. It could be his stuff toy, favorite coloring book, his tumbler or anything he finds solace in. Children almost always outgrow the need to bring a comfort object to school.
2. Avoid putting drama and fanfare when saying goodbye. Keep it short, simple and sweet. When you pick him up at the end of the day, let it stick to his mind that you come back as you promise. Through this, you can avoid upsetting drop-off and teary tales all over again.
3. Do not be get tempted on going back and checking her out once you already left. If you keep on going back and check her, it will create a reciprocal actions which means she’ll check on you constantly, too. Ut may also drive her attention away from the activities she should be doing because she knows you might just be somewhere around.
4. Never tell your child that he’s not behaving well compared to other kids. Handling separation anxiety varies from child to child. Respect your child’s process of coping up and getting by and by.
5. Praise his little efforts and his achievements. This way, he will feel that it feels good to improve and get appreciated for the little things he does. Give positive reinforcement.
We know that it’s hard to hear our child cry. It kind of melts our hearts every time they do. However, remember that separation anxiety does have a positive aspect: It indicates that a healthy attachment has bonded a caregiver and child. There is no due date for when separation anxiety appears or disappears. Every child is unique, and they will learn at their own time, at their own pace. Cherish those moments when they still cling lovingly and innocently because whether you like it or not, they grow up definitely way too fast!
