FOR RELEASE: December 2002
TITLE: GOODBYE CRIES AT CHILD CARE ARE
Now, separation anxiety is not fear of being fired
at work; it is when your baby doesn’t want you to leave. In both cases, your fear of job loss and your
baby wanting to be with you, the problem is sensing a loss of security. And, both are normal.
Babies usually develop separation anxiety at about
six months and it lasts through the first birthday. It is normal but can be very frustrating for
both you and your baby. What can you do?
1.
Talk to the child care staff.
Ask for help and suggestions.
2.
Try not to be in such a hurry.
Rushing is hard on children and parents.
3.
Some relaxed time together can reduce the stress, tears, and your guilt
feelings.
4.
It is a good idea to hang out for a while – morning, on your break, at
lunch time, or afternoon. Get to know
the teachers, the other children and their parents. Check out the toys and the planned
activities.
5.
But, when it is time to go, leave quickly.
6.
Do not sneak out. Say goodbye to
your baby and say you will be back.
7.
Some parents leave a scarf, glove, book, or something else belonging to
the parent.
8.
Be sure the staff on duty knows you are leaving.
9.
Give your baby or your baby’s hand to a teacher to hold while you
leave.
10. Say the teacher’s name and
your child’s name, “Miss Kathy will take care of my precious baby Jose while I
am away.”
Call your child care provider to see how your baby
is doing. Some children like to listen
to the parent’s voice over the phone.
Make sure your child care provider knows how to reach you in case your
child continues to be distressed.
Eventually, your child will say goodbye happily and
become involved in the activities at child care. Though this is normal development, you may
feel a little bit sad that your child is becoming independent of you. That’s normal too!
Prepared by:
Elaine Wilson, Ph.D.
Parenting Specialist
104 HES, Room 238
OCES,
405-744-7186