March 1, 2011

Is Your Child Exhibiting Separation Anxiety?

Start leaving your child with people you trust at an early age.

Start out with short periods of time and then slowly increase the length of time. It will make your child and you feel more comfortable with the separation.

Never sneak away when you leave your child. Create a good bye ritual. Include a hug, a kiss, and an “I love you,” You might also want to kiss the palms of your child’s hand and have your child save those kisses in their pocket. If they miss you, they can reach into their pocket, pull out a kiss and place it on their cheek.

You may also want to read your child the book The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn.

Little Chester, the raccoon, doesn't want to leave his mother to go off to school. His mother shares a little secret of "the kissing hand" by kissing the palm of his hand. She tells him if he gets lonely at school he can just press his palm against his cheek to feel that his mother's love is with him. He gives his mother a kissing hand too. A great story to share with children who may be anxious about making new friends or leaving the comforts of home.

No comments: