Your maternity leave is over and you are going back to work or you need to go out for personal business. Goodbyes are hard! It can be upsetting to see your baby crying and reaching for you as you say goodbye and head for the door, which is why separation anxiety can be so challenging for the toughest of families. Separation anxiety typically appears around 8 months, but can develop earlier or later depending on the baby’s personality. The universal thing is that it appears without warning and can tear a mother’s heart to shreds. With this in mind, we want to share with you five small suggestions that can help you:
1. Introduce the Idea of a Caregiver to the Baby Early
Introduce the idea of a babysitter early on, whether it is a grandmother or a friend who helps you with your daily chores. For a few weeks, allow the caregiver to bond emotionally with your baby while you are at home.
2. Don’t make the place unfamiliar for your baby
Keep the baby in familiar places so that the baby feels comfortable with its surroundings. The caregiver can look after your baby in your home. If this is not an option, visit the babysitter’s place several times to familiarize the baby with the toys, high chair, bed, etc. in the new place.
3. Keep Goodbyes Short
As hard as it may be, keep your goodbye as short and sweet as possible. Don’t say long, drawn-out goodbyes that feed the drama. Responding to this behavior only encourages the baby to repeat it in future goodbyes.
4.Be Positive
The baby should see only a smile and composure on your face. Save your tears for the moment you get into the car. This will convince the baby that your departure is not a big deal. He will not cry behind your back.
5.Make a Nice Welcome
Make your homecoming special. Hug your baby tightly when you return, take time to read a favorite book or sing a song.