Helping Your Child with Separation Anxiety Disorder

By Lynn Ponton, MD
March 27, 2006

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.
Scientifically Reviewed
    Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 27 Mar 2006

 


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