Separation Anxiety

With the school year fast approaching, I thought I'd talk about separation anxiety. This occurs when our children are worried about leaving home. When they are small, it may signify a healthy bond between mother/father and child. But it can also become a real problem when your child has a very difficult time letting go and socializing or attending school.  Parents must gently encourage their child to branch out and become their own person. When kids show signs of anxiety or fear, we may naturally try and protect, comfort, and attend to their worries. What we don't realize is that this makes separating more challenging. They  sense their parents worry, which may feed into their own fears. Show strength and love to your children when they prepare for school. Listen to their concerns but give them positive messages about leaving. For very young children, I always recommend giving them something of yours to hold onto like - a little bracelet, a key chain, or a hat etc. Which can give them peace of mind. Comfort them with surprises in their lunch box. Be creative  and always teach by example. Remember a parent's job never ends. Separation anxiety can happen around college time too. Although I'm not sure who is filled with more anxiety, children or their parents! ~Nancy Shertok, MSW, LCSW