There are a number of things you can do to reassure your child who is having separation anxiety.
First, call your child as often as you reasonably can during the day from work so that she has contact with you, and, let her know you’ll be doing this.
If possible, on a weekend, or during a work day, let her come with you to see where you are working. Make it an outing!
Have your child give you some artwork to take into the office and when possible, have a picture of you at work that she can have. This will give her a sense of your place.
In the beginning, limit your evening and weekend times away from your daughter. And perhaps explore some play-group options that your child’s caregiver can take your child to.
Also, this is not a guarantee, but I’ve always liked to do this — you can take some time with your little one, right before you leave, and open up the palm of your child’s hand, give them a kiss in the palm of her hand, then close up their little fingers, and tell them that “now they has a kiss from mommy to hold on to and have for themselves” (if they starts to feel lonely or miss you) until you get home!
Vicki Lansky’s practical, common sense approach to parenting is familiar to millions throughout the world. Vicki’s first book, Feed Me, I’m Yours, published in 1974, and still one of the most popular baby/toddler food cookbooks in the country, was followed by The Taming of the C.A.N.D.Y. Monster, a #1 New York Times bestseller. Her other titles include: Toilet Training, Birthday Parties Best Party Tips & Ideas For Ages 1-8, Dear Babysitter Handbook, Welcoming Your Second Baby, Getting Your Child to Sleep … and Back to Sleep, Trouble-free Travel with Children, Baby Proofing Basics and Games Babies Play From Birth to Twelve Months, Koko Bear’s New Potty, A New Baby at Koko Bear’s House, Koko Bear and the New Babysitter, and Koko Bear’s Big Earache. Vicki Lansky’s Divorce Book for Parents: Helping Children Cope with Divorce and Its Aftermath
Hi Vicki,
How much time is recommended for parents to spend with their child during his/her awake hours of the day (according to various age levels) to allow for their best shot at healthy emotional & intellectual development and doing well in school?