Does your little one have separation anxiety? Try one of these when dropping them off at preschool, the babysitter, when you go off to work, etc.
When they hear the words “Good-bye” it seems so final to them; so let them know that you will be back after nap time, or after recess, etc. Don’t ever give them a specific time; this could set them up for disappointment if you get stuck in traffic or if you have to stay late for work.
And never sneak out without letting them know. I don’t know how many times I have had to calm a child down who was more shaken because his/her parent left without saying anything rather than just saying, “I love you and I will see you soon.”
If at all possible; another thing that you can do is arrive a couple of minutes early and play with your child in the classroom or at the sitter’s for just a minute and talk about the fact that you are going to work and they will be staying at school or with the sitter and doing all sorts of things that day. But you will be back to get them after their ______. Tell them that you love them and you want them to have a fun and wonderful day and you can’t wait to hear all about it when you pick them up. And before you leave; choose one of the phrases below.