Many children have become used to being with their parents non-stop over the past few months of sheltering-in-place.
Whether kids exhibited separation issues before the pandemic or not, this is an issue many parents may find themselves navigating as they head back to work and more normal life activities outside of the home.
Dr. Nicole Beurkens spoke with 13 ON YOUR SIDE about the signs of separation anxiety in children and how to manage this.
She suggests:
- Talk with kids about their thoughts and fears
- Practice coping with separation for brief periods inside and outside of the home
- Teach positive coping strategies such as belly breathing, distraction, and calming phrases
- Don’t sneak away – clearly say goodbye and let the child know when you will return
- Use strategies to manage your own feelings about your child’s distress
For more insights like these, visit Dr. Beurkens' website.
RELATED VIDEO:
MORE on 13 ON YOUR SIDE:
- Parenting teens during the pandemic
- Helping children social distance in the summertime
- Relieving 'Mom Guilt' during the pandemic
- Anxiety: It looks different for kids
- Developmental regression is possible during COVID-19 social distancing
- Talking to kids with developmental disabilities about life during pandemic
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.