response from you, creating a special bond between parent and child. This love and support is critical in her development, but often creates a panic or fear when being separated from her caregiver; also know as separation anxiety.

The Start of Separation

Separation anxiety is a normal part of development that usually begins around 6 or 7 months, when children start familiarizing themselves with their surroundings. As early as 4 months, parents can begin preparing a child for separation. For example, play peek-a-boo by hiding your face or a toy or leave the room for a few minutes and then return. Your child will begin to learn a new concept of separation and return.

Boys Town Pediatrics offer tips to help in the separation transition.

• Do not discuss the separation before it occurs. Doing so will not help. It may make separating more difficult.
• Plan ahead so that you can separate quickly. Have all of your child's things together in one bag or her toys out in one place so that you won't drag out the separation.
• When it comes time to do so, leave as quickly and as matter-of-factly as possible.
• If separating is hard for you, set up times to practice separating. For example, arrange to drop your child off at a friend's or relative's house several times each week for a short time until it becomes easier for you.
• When you pick your child up, don't be overly emotional. Its okay to act glad to see her, but don't start crying and hugging her too much. This only shows your child how hard the separation was for you.
• Generally the way children handle separation is a direct reflection of how their parents handle it. Do well and your child will do much better.

Separation at Night

Separation at night is just as scary as daytime separation for your child. You know that you are within hearing distance from your child, but she does not. Develop a bedtime routine. Read a bedtime story, sing a song, take a bath or say goodnight to siblings. Keep the hours before bedtime as comforting as possible. If your child does get upset after being put to bed, keep your visits brief and she will learn to fall asleep on her own.

When Anxiety Continues

Separation anxiety is very real for children 6 months until about 2 years of age. If your child remains inconsolable when being dropped off at daycare, re-evaluate the sitter or facility and make sure it is the best place for your child. If your child has a difficult time transitioning to pre-school or kindergarten, work with the teacher if you are unable to comfort your child. Although separation anxiety is normal for babies between 9 and 18 months, you should consult your child's doctor if his anxiety becomes so overwhelming that he's unable to do anything without you by his side, or if he's inconsolable even after you're long gone from his presence.