SEPARATION ANXIETY.

What is it?

Separation anxiety is a condition in which a child becomes fearful and nervous when they're away from home or separated from a loved one usually a parent or other caregiver to whom the child is attached. 

Symtons:

• An unrealistic and lasting worry that something bad will happen to the parent or caregiver if the child leaves.
• An unrealistic and lasting worry that something bad will happen to the child if he or she leaves the caregiver.
• Refusal to go to school in order to stay with the caregiver.
• Refusal to go to sleep without the caregiver being nearby or to sleep away from home.
• Fear of being alone.
• Nightmares about being separated.
• Bed wetting.
• Complaints of physical symptoms, such as headaches and stomachaches, on school days.
• Repeated tantrums.

Treatment:

No treatment is required for separation anxiety.

Parents can help their kid adjust to their absence by letting trusted caregivers take care of the child. This helps the child learn to trust and bond with other adults and understand that their parents will return.

During medical procedures, a parent should be with the child when possible. When a parent can't  go with the child, exposing the child to the situation previously may be helpful, such as visiting the doctor's office prior to an examination. 

When it is not possible for the parents to be with the child, such as during surgery, explain the experiences to the child. Reassure the child that one of your parents is waiting for you, and where. 

For older children who have not overcome separation anxiety, treatments may include:

• Anti-anxiety drugs.
• Changes in parenting techniques.
• Counseling for parents and child.

Treatment for severe cases may include:

• Family Education.
• Family therapy.
• Psychotherapy.

Strategies.

First of all, you have to prepare your child:

• Visit the new early-childhood service with your child before they start.
• The first days, let the child go just 30 minutes, the second day 60 and progressively.
• Talk to your child about what will happen when they go to the service, tell them you will be back, and talk about what you can do when you see each other again.

Secondly, you've to work together with the educator:

• Inform them about what is happening in your home that might affect how your child is feeling.

Thirdly, you have to build trust:

• Make sure you say goodbye to your child and let them know when you will be back. Try to keep the 'goodbye' short, as lengthy goodbyes can make children more upset. 
• Don't ignore your child's distress – respond and comfort them. The important thing is to find a balance between supporting your child and giving them the chance to get experience managing how they feel.

Fourthly, you've to build feelings of safety.

• Try to be as calm as possible. If you are calm, your child will feel more secure. 
• Start playing a game or doing an activity that your child likes with them before leaving. 
• Build a regular routine around drop-off and pick-up so your child feels secure and is able to predict when you will come back. 

Finally, you've to reconnect:

• When you pick up your child, spend extra time with them to reconnect again.
• Bring a favourite toy or a photo from home to help give your child a feeling of security and familiarity.
• Talk with your child about their day and what they enjoyed.