Separation Anxiety

How to handle it with your child

(HealthDayNews) -- If your child is starting preschool this fall, it may be the first time he or she will be away from you for an extended period. For many kids the transition is a smooth one, but for some the separation is traumatic.

According to the University of Virginia, you can ease your child's separation anxiety by:

  • Validating his fears without giving in to them. Let your child know it's okay to be scared, but that he will be okay.
  • Telling him where you will be while he is at school.
  • Encouraging brave behavior. Suggest to him how his favorite cartoon character would handle the situation.
  • Telling your child in advance what's going to happen.
  • Focusing on the positive by describing the fun things he'll do at school.

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