Separation Anxiety
Beginning a new child care program can create a certain amount of anxiety as the child-and parent--understands that they will be separated from each other during the program. To ease this anxiety, here are some simple things that you can do to prepare yourselves for the transition:

• Be aware that most children between 6 months and 4 years of age will have difficulty separating from their parent(s) several times.
• Talk to your child about the child care plans being made for him or her.
• If appropriate, let your child participate in the planning.
• Talk about and address your child's concerns (communicated both verbally and non-verbally with hugs and kisses).
• Let your child help prepare the items that he or she may want to bring, like their teddy bear, blanket, a family photograph, favorite snack, etc.
• Visit the program with your child at different times of the day.
• Inform your child about where you will be and what you will be doing while he or she is in child care.
• Leave adequate time for saying "good-bye." After saying your goodbyes, leave immediately because repeatedly re-entering the classroom will be confusing to your child.
• Never leave without saying "good-bye" (your child may become frightened if you suddenly disappear).
• When you return, let your child know how you are happy to see him or her. Don't be surprised or offended if your child acts as if he or she isn't entirely happy to see you. This is a normal reaction with many children who are either having too good of a time with their new friends, or may still be upset that you left them in day care.
• If you cannot always be punctual (on time) with your arrival, then you may try to avoid setting a specific arrival time. If you do set a specific arrival time, then meet it as much as possible.
• Share any pertinent information regarding your child with the child care provider.

Visit the local library for books and materials that address separation anxiety and how to prepare children for new environments. Give your child and yourself enough time to adjust to the new child care arrangements (it usually takes about 2 to 4 weeks).