Child seperation issue

[dawn]

We have a participant that came in today and this is the first time she is leaving her one year old. The one year old is having issues, therefore, the baby sitter who has no children of her own, was calling non stop to be relieved.
So, any suggestions for me to give this parent on how to get her daughter use to the seperation? Also, what about daycares that are known to maybe help make this type transition better for parent and child.

It has been a lot of years since I've had to deal with that yet at that time, I had aunts that did the care in their home so I didn't have the struggles of such.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[tobygardner]

Separation anxiety is very normal for a child at age one. Have the parent talk in a calm manner and tell her child something simple and affirming like, "Mommy will be gone for a while, but I'll be back to pick up you later. I love you!" Even though the child doesn't understand exactly what is being said, her mom's calming voice and manner will reassure her. Having an object to hold onto may help, like a favorite stuffed animal. Encourage the babysitter to get the child involved with something, like a favorite book, as distraction sometimes helps. Every time this mom leaves and comes back, she is helping to lessen her daughter's fears. The child knows, "Mommy will come for me!"     

 www.babycenter.com/0_separation-anxiety_12652.bc

[Jessica Hodierne]

Does this participant receive child care assistance from CCR&R? If so, perhaps they could suggest a babysitter who has more experience and is better equipped to handle a child who is dealing with separation anxiety?

[dawn]

Thank you all! Yesterday I had given her an applicaton for Child Care Connections and discussed with her that she should take the time to find a daycare which will help her child also with socialization skills...on and on. She wasn't here today so I didn't get a chance to suggest the other great advice with her.

[tobygardner]

Here's a link to the toolkit in healthyhoi.com with great information about the importance of building strong attachment between parent and child.

www.healthyhoi.com/promoting-healthy-attachment