Dealing with Separation Anxiety in Toddlers
30-07-2016 | Posted By: Admin | 2775 View(s)
It is the nature of the children to cling on to the parents. Why should they not be? They are not punished with separation, but due to various unwanted circumstances, the separation becomes unavoidable. The reasons can be anything but the repercussion has to be dealt with care. If the child is overanxious and crying when you leave the room or going away, then he or she must be experiencing a phase called Separation Anxiety.
Reasons behind feeling Separation Anxiety :
Children feel helpless when they are detached from their parents. Their psychology makes them believe that their survival is totally dependent on their parents. For them, the time concept is still a blur. When you are out of sight for a few moments, they start crying and express the emotion of insecurity via tears. Felling helplessness in the absence of the parents is quite natural. The anxiety has different levels for different cases. It can be simple and worse, depending on the situation.
Symptoms of Separation Anxiety :
The signs of anxiety are clinging, crying, throwing things and other tantrums. Normally the signs are prevalent at the age of 8 to 18 months. The signs are seen then when the caregiver intends to leave, and the toddler or the child resists the movement. Other than the tantrums and crying, a child can show signs of fearfulness and restlessness. These signs are shown by the child just to keep the caregiver near and make them feel safe and loved.
Coping with the Situation :
It is very tough to watch your child cry, but when the separation has to happen then, it has to be handled properly. Separation anxiety is a good sign that bondage between the caregiver is existing proving the good mental health of the child. Communication works well. Talk with your child and make them understand that you will return very soon and add up something that the child likes to have near like stuffed toys. If the departing is regular, then a routine will get fixed automatically when the child slowly copes up with your absence. Figure out a gesture that depicts a secret message of goodbye which will be enjoyed by the child.
The worst Scenario :
When the signs are getting worse, it is better to consult a paediatrician. Try to analyse the situation. Check whether the child is going through a bad phase to cope up parental conflict or other hostile situations. The child might be incompatible with the daycare settings too. Proper counselling of the child and guidance for the parents can solve the problem.
Outgrowing the Phase :
As time passes by a child overcomes the anxiety phase. Similar feelings might get repeated at an older age due to the same feelings of insecurity. Stress and separation can both trigger the same effects. When they suffer from sickness and stress, the signs can revive. The parent must understand the scenario and take good care to overcome the situation. The signs disappear when the child reaches the proper age. Love and care can heal anything.
