Separation
Anxiety
What
is separation anxiety?Part of a baby's normal development is learning that
separations from parents are not permanent. Young babies do not
understand time, so they think a parent who walks out of the room is
gone forever. Also, they have not yet developed the concept of object
permanence - that a hidden object is still there, it just cannot be
seen. Without these concepts, babies become anxious and fearful when a
parent leaves their sight.
Separation
anxiety usually begins around the age of 6 months. Babies may suddenly
be afraid of familiar people such as babysitters or grandparents.
Stranger anxiety is also common at this age, when they
are fearful of unknown people. Separation anxiety is usually at its peak
between 10 and 18 months. It typically ends by the time a child is 3 years old.
What
are the signs of separation anxiety?Babies experiencing
separation anxiety fear that a parent will leave and not return. The
fear may be worsened in the presence of a stranger. Typical responses of
babies experiencing this normal phase of development may include the
following:
-
crying
when you leave the room
-
clinging
or
crying, especially in new situations
-
awakening
and crying at night after previously sleeping through the night
-
refusal
to go to sleep without parent nearby
How
can you help your child with separation anxiety?Children who feel secure are better able to
handle separations. Cuddling and comforting your child when you are
together can help him/her feel more secure. Other ways to help your
child with separations include the following:
-
Comfort
and reassure your child when he/she is afraid.
-
At
home, help your baby learn independence
by allowing him/her to crawl to other (safe) rooms for a short
period of time by himself/herself.
-
Tell
your baby if you are going to another room and that you will be
back, then come back.
-
Plan
your separations when your baby is rested and fed, rather than
before a nap or meal.
-
Introduce
new
people and places gradually, allowing your baby time to get to know a
new care provider.
-
Do
not prolong good-byes and have the sitter distract your baby or child
with a toy as you leave.
-
Introduce
a transitional object such as a blanket or soft toy to help ease separations.
- For
night awakenings, comfort and reassure your child by patting and
soothing, but avoid letting your child get out of bed.
Click here to view the
Online Resources page of this Web. |
