Separation Anxiety in Children

Helping children cope with separation anxiety can be a challenging experience for
both the child and their parents. It’s important for parents to create a safe and supportive
environment where children feel comfortable expressing their emotions. Here are some tips
for parents to help their children cope with separation anxiety:

1. Validate Their Feelings: Let your child know that it’s okay to feel anxious about
   being separated from you. Acknowledge their feelings and reassure them that you understand
   what they are going through.
2. Establish a Goodbye Routine: Create a consistent and reassuring goodbye routine
   when dropping off your child. This could involve giving them a hug, a special handshake, or
   a goodbye ritual that they can look forward to every time.
3. Encourage Independence: Gradually encourage your child to become more
   independent by allowing them to make choices and decisions on their own. This can help
   them build confidence and reduce anxiety about being apart from you.
4. Stay Calm and Positive: Children can pick up on their parents’ emotions, so it’s
   important to stay calm and positive when addressing their separation anxiety. Reassure them
   that you will always come back for them.
5. Communicate Openly: Encourage open and honest communication with your child.
   Let them know that they can talk to you about their feelings and experiences and that you are
   there to listen and support them.
6. Seek Professional Help if Needed: If your child’s separation anxiety is severe and
   persistent, consider seeking help from a mental health professional who specialises in
   working with children.