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
• Children and Sleep Problems
• Depression in Children and Adolescents
• Helping a Child Through Play Therapy
• PTSD and Children
• How Do I Know If It Is Panic Disorder?
• Kids and Sleep
• What Is Dependent Personality Disorder?
• Other articles by Lynn Ponton, Ph.D.

 

Last reviewed:
  On March 27, 2006
  By John M. Grohol, Psy.D.