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Separation Anxiety.
Kimberley Clayton Blaine: Babies can show signs of separation anxiety as early as 6 months but the toughest for most babies is between 13 to 18 months. This is when your baby is becoming a toddler and is realizing that they are completely separate beings from you.
The good news is separation anxiety will pass and there are ways to make it more manageable. Whenever I go to brush my teeth, I usually have my toddler hanging off my leg. So I know what it's like, because I am in the mist to this. Toddlers understand about people leaving before they learn about people returning. They can tell from your actions that you are about to leave.
Anxiety begins to build even before you leave. Anxiety can be contagious. The more anxious you are about leaving or about other's caring for your baby, the more anxious your baby will be. Dropping and clinging and crying toddler of the day care is one of the hardest things for a parent to do. Even night time fussiness can be an expression of separation anxiety. Sleep is a scary separation for little ones.
Here are some ways to help you and your child adjust to times of separation. Encourage your child to have a lovie, a transitional object, like a blanket or a stuffed toy that he can hold on to. Introducing a lovie early in infancy encourages attachment to soothing things. Babies love satin, so keep that in mind when choosing a lovie. The rubbing takes them back to the safety and security of the womb.
If you know you are going to be gone for longer than normal period, help your child work up to that separation by taking shorter breaks away from him. Go to the neighbors or running area. Practice separations, tell your baby that you will going to another room and then you will be back soon. If some one is coming to watch your child, help him or her come early, so that all of you can spend some time together before your leave.
Leave on a happy note. You want your baby to associate happy thoughts with you coming and going. No sneaking away. Even though it makes it easier for you, it won't be easier on your toddler. Make him see you leave, even if he has tears. If you continue to sneak off, he will become even more worried that you might disappear at any given time. Say your good byes and then help him become involved in a fun activity that will occupy him as you leave. Finally, don't feel guilty about your child's teary emotions, just know that this is a stage and you both will get through it.
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