A.C.
hi ~
I found this info on-line. some of the info is for slightly older kids but i feel a lot of it can apply to your child's age too. I copy and pasted some of the highlights (please see the websites for more info).
"many toddlers haven’t yet moved beyond the normal stage of separation anxiety, a period when they feel most secure when a parent is nearby. This intense separation anxiety gradually decreases as a child develops language skills, becomes more interested in being with other children, and learns that parents leave for a while, but always come back."
* Slow down your morning routine before you take your son to daycare. Build in some time for snuggling and reading a story together; or make time for an unrushed breakfast together. As hard as it may be to get up a few minutes earlier in the morning, it’s worth it to reduce the stress that comes with being too rushed.
* Encourage your son to use ‘transitional objects’ to help him separate from you. That’s a fancy name for special blankets, teddy bears, or other special objects that give your son comfort.
* Be matter-of-fact when leaving your child at daycare Give him a hug and tell him his childcare provider will take good care of him while you’re at work. Then smile and say, “I’ll see you this afternoon,” as you walk confidently out the door.
* Relish the reunion when you pick your son up at the end of the day. Greet both him and his caregiver warmly, look at your son’s art work, or have him show you the things he played with. If you communicate to him that you think daycare is a safe and fun place for him, he’ll be more likely to perceive it that way too.
FROM: http://www.supernanny.com/Advice/-/Your-toddler/-/Toddler...
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• Talk to your child about what to expect: what activities he’ll be engaging in, when Mommy or Daddy will be back, etc. "When the child doesn’t know what is happening is when the separation becomes the most difficult.”
(I would suggest making sure the time when you are gone is scheduled and has a consistent routine - that way he hopefully will be distracted by not having you there)
• Practicing the separation beforehand – at home by using toys or books or leaving the room where your child is playing and then returning – is another good idea
• Preparation goes both ways. "Parents have a tough time separating, too," "Parents need to think through [how they'll react] because children can sense any tension. You really have to think through the feelings the child is taking from you."
• As tough as it may be, parents must not prolong their good-byes.
• Keep it simple and try establishing a ritual, such as two kisses and a hug
• "Always tell your child that you are leaving," "[Parents] may think it would be easier not to, but it's only easier for the parent."
• It's important for a parent to inform their child when they'll return, too. Rather than say, "I'll be back in two hours," which a preschooler wouldn't grasp, parents should run through the sequence of events. Tell them pick-up time is after they play, hear a story and have a snack, for example.
• Don’t bribes or rewards behaviors
• Parents need to work with their child. "Let them know what is happening, what is going on, as simply and thoroughly as you can and answer their questions,"
• Try: giving your child a picture of you OR have you mom make picture books during with him to help them make the connection of you going to work and you coming home OR or something special that reminds him of you
FROM: http://www.preschoolerstoday.com/resources/articles/dontg...
hope that helps.
