As you're walking out the door, it's heartbreaking to see the tears and sometimes even hear the shrieks of your child. You tell your sitter, "Text me as soon as he calms down, just so I know he's okay!"
Separation anxiety is a normal developmental stage, especially for children 8 months - 35 months. Prior to 8 months, infants are still familiarizing themselves with the world and don't yet have a feel for what might be dangerous or unusual. The onset of separation anxiety means your child's reached a new level of awareness, and the departure of mom or dad can be alarming.
While your last image as you leave is a panicked child, on our end, we find that the tears typically don't last more than 5-7 minutes. Separation anxiety is replaced by an understanding that while you're out-of-sight now, you'll return later. This, of course, leads to a curiosity and desire to explore the limits of their newfound independence....
Tips for Reducing Separation Anxiety
- Make your departure succinct, but known. Sneaking out the door will mean a delayed, more intense moment of anxiety for your child when they do realize you're gone. Say good-bye, let them know you'll be back soon, and head out the door.
- Set aside a special activity that is only done when your Seminole Sitter is there. Even if it's something as simple as bubbles, your child will soon learn that when the Sitter arrives, they'll get to do that special activity. It will give them something to look forward to.
- Be strong! Your kids can read you long before they can read a book! If they see on your face or body language that you're worried or stressed, they'll think there's reason for them to feel the same. Reassure them in a calm voice that it's okay that you're leaving, and again, make sure to say, "I'll be back - I always come back."
