What calms separation anxiety?
Nakia Johnston
2025-06-24 19:31:32
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Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective form of therapy for separation anxiety disorder. Exposure treatment, a part of CBT, has been found to be helpful for separation anxiety. During this type of treatment your child can learn how to face and manage fears about separation and uncertainty. Also, parents can learn how to effectively give emotional support and encourage independence that suits the child's age. Sometimes, combining medicine with CBT may be helpful if anxiety symptoms are severe and a child isn't making progress in therapy alone. Antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be an option for older children and adults. Show calm support. Encourage your child to try new experiences, experience separation and develop independence with your support. Model bravery when facing your own distress to help when your child is facing fears. Practice goodbyes. Leave your child with a trusted caregiver for short periods of time to help your child learn that you will return.
Lane Denesik
2025-06-11 09:53:05
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: 7
Create quick goodbye rituals, even if you have to do major-league-baseball–style hand movements, give triple kisses at the cubby, or provide a special blanket or toy as you leave, keep the goodbye short and sweet. Be consistent, try to do the same drop-off with the same ritual at the same time each day you separate to avoid unexpected factors whenever you can. Give your full attention when separating, give your child full attention, be loving and provide affection. Keep transitions short and routine if it’s a tough day. Be specific, child style, when you discuss your return, provide specifics that your child understands. Practice being apart, ship the children off to grandma’s home, schedule playdates, allow friends and family to provide child care for you, even for an hour, on the weekend. Your ongoing consistency, explanations and diligence to return when you say you will are key. Keep your promise, you’ll build trust and independence as your child becomes confident in her ability to be without you when you stick to your promise of return.
Reyes Mosciski
2025-06-11 08:46:37
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: 7
Practise short separations from your baby to begin with. You could start by leaving them in someone else's care for a few minutes while you nip to the local shop. Leave your baby with someone they know well so they still feel comfortable and safe in your absence. Gradually work towards longer separations, and then leaving them in less familiar settings. Talk about what you'll do together later. Talk to your toddler about what you're going to do when you see them again so they have something to look forward to with you. Leave something comforting with your baby. It may comfort your baby to have something they identify with you – like a scarf with your scent on or a favourite toy – close by. Make saying goodbye a positive time. When you leave your baby, however sad or worried you may be feeling, smile and wave goodbye confidently and happily, otherwise they will pick up on your tension.
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