Try to embrace your child’s anxiety as a positive sign. It’s perfectly okay – even wonderful – for your child to be so attached to you and for her to desire your constant companionship. Congratulations: It’s evidence that the bond you’ve worked so hard to create is holding.
ENCOURAGE INDEPENDENT PLAYTIME
Many children wake up after a nap, or in the morning, and are content to look around, play with a toy or daydream. Without thinking it through, we act as if baby can never be awake and alone. It’s helpful to know that a baby or toddler can enjoy alone time and can learn to be his own best company. This is a lovely gift that you give your child. I suggest that next time . . . walk a little slower! Listen carefully- is she calling to you or fussing for attention? Or is she just waking up to her world and taking a few quiet minutes for herself? If Baby’s content then keep an ear on her, but allow her this independent play time.
AVOID SEPARATING WHEN POSSIBLE
It’s perfectly okay to avoid separation when your child in the midst of an anxiety stage. Some people will try to convince you that it’s important to force your child to deal with separations. But the truth is that no study proves that a child who is forced to face his fear head on will overcome it easier or quicker than one who is allowed to adjust on his own time frame. It makes sense to be respectful – and work with your child’s needs – to gently and lovingly nudge your child towards the goal of independence.
From The No-Cry Separation Anxiety Solution by Elizabeth Pantley (McGraw-Hill).
Elizabeth Pantley is a mother of four, grandmother, and author of the bestselling book, The No-Cry Sleep Solution plus 8 other books in the No-Cry Solution Series which helps Mums and Dads through all key stages of parenting. Visit her at nocrysolution.com
