Health Tip: Soothing Separation Anxiety

Suggestions to help your child

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(HealthDay News) -- Many young children have difficulty leaving their parents when it's time for school, work or a parental date night.

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Rotary International offers this advice on how to make separating from your child less stressful for you both:

• Don't put off separating from your child, such as leaving the youngster with a sitter. The younger your child is when he or she gets used to separating, the easier the transition is likely to be.
• Start separating from your child slowly and gradually to build up tolerance.
• Make sure your child is well-rested and fed when transitioning to a caregiver.
• When you can, keep your child in a familiar environment.
• Devise a consistent ritual for separating from your child.
• Use the same caregiver, if possible, and introduce your child in advance.
• Stay calm and relaxed, and don't drag out the goodbye. Make it clear that you'll be back.

-- Diana Kohnle