Health Tip: Coping With Separation Anxiety

by -- Diana Kohnle
Updated: Sep 14th 2012

(HealthDay News) -- It's common for young children -- especially between the ages of 8 months to 1 year -- to cry or throw a tantrum when a parent leaves the home.

While this behavior may be unpleasant, experts say it's perfectly normal.

The Nemours Foundation offers these suggestions to help ease separation anxiety:

• Try not to first leave your little one with a sitter between the ages of 8 months and 1 year, when separation anxiety tends to peak.
• Don't schedule your departure time when your child is likely to be tired or hungry.
• Let your child get to know a new babysitter, and try to make the transition gradual.
• Adhere to a calm, consistent and loving goodbye routine.
• Reassure your child that you will be back. Make special time to give the child your undivided attention.

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