March 12, 2007

Health Tip: Dealing With Separation Anxiety

(HealthDay News) -- Separation anxiety occurs when a child is fearful of being left with someone else. While these feelings are normal, parents may not know how to react when a child becomes this upset.

If your child has symptoms of separation anxiety, follow these suggestions from the Nemours Foundation:

• Try not to begin child care or day care between 8 and 12 months of age, when separation anxiety is most likely to start.
• Try not to leave your child when she is tired or hungry -- try to schedule your departure after a meal or nap.
• Gradually introduce your child to spending time alone with other people.
• Be calm and consistent when leaving your child -- firmly tell her that you're leaving but that you'll be back, and give her a timeframe.
• Follow through on promises you make, and don't show up late after you've promised your child to be back at a certain time.

-- Diana Kohnle

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