Don’ts
- let your child stay home when he does not want to go to school, day care, etc.
- surprise your child with a change in plans or activities.
- let your child focus on what unlikely bad things might happen.
- punish for behaviors that are a result of separation anxiety/fears.
Do’s
- focus on fun activities at school, day care, etc.
- help your child get settled at school or day care and then leave.
- let your child know you will return to pick her up from school, day care, etc.
- compliment your child when he is acting appropriately.
- remind him how you have returned for him in the past.
- help him think of ways a favorite superhero might handle the situation.
- reward targeted and desired behaviors.
- reward behaviors as they become more appropriate and less dictated by fears.
What's Related
- Frequently Asked Questions about Separation Anxiety Disorder
- Symptoms of Separation Anxiety Disorder
- Treatment of Separation Anxiety Disorder
- Depression in Children and Adolescents
- Helping a Child Through Play Therapy
- PTSD and Children
- Kids and Sleep
- How Do I Know If It Is Panic Disorder?
- Do You Need Therapy?
- Divorce and the Unexpected Reversal
