Health Tip: Dealing With Separation Anxiety

Help ease your youngster's fear

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(HealthDay News) -- It's common for young children to have a tough time when mom or dad leaves them with someone else.

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The Nemours Foundation offers these suggestions to help ease separation anxiety:

• Try not to leave the youngster with an unfamiliar caregiver while the youngster is aged 8 months to 1 year. This is when separation anxiety most commonly begins.
• Try not to leave your child when the youngster is very tired or hungry.
• Practice leaving the youngster with someone new for short stints, then extend those periods.
• Stay relaxed and calm, and be consistent in your drop-off routine. This will help your child understand that although are leaving, you will be back.
• Always come back to get your child at the promised time.
• Don't allow crying or tantrums to deter you from leaving.

-- Diana Kohnle