Sanity Savers: 5 ways to cope with separation anxiety

Seperation anxiety can be upsetting for both toddler and mum, find out how to help

By askamum

1. Talk to your tot
If you think your tot may suffer with separation anxiety, talk to him about being with someone else. Explain that it is only for a short while and then you will be back. Keep it light-hearted and talk about all the fun they will have.

2. Start small
Start by leaving your tot with someone they know very well and only for a very short time. This will help them accept that mummy going away will not be for long and will always come back.

3. Be strong
Be prepared that your tot may start to cry when you go to leave. It will only make him worse if you get upset and cry too. Stay strong, give him a big hug and reassure him you will be back soon.

4. Don’t hang around
Once you have said goodbye, calmly walk away and don’t hang around as this will send him the message that if he keeps crying you may not leave.

5. Keep trying
Even if you have tried to leave him and he has got upset, don’t give up. Keep trying and leaving him for short periods with people close as eventually he will learn that even though you go, you always come back and will show him he can have fun with others too.

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