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.

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