resolving separation anxiety

marybeth1699

Is there anything I can do to help resolve the separation anxiety?  We've been playing lots of peek-a-boo to try to teach him I will come back.  But every time I leave the room, he still cries.  And he doesn't want anyone else to hold him other than me and DH.  Of course, just in time for Christmas when all the family will be visiting!  

 Should I just let him cry for a few minutes when I leave the room and when he's in the arms of strangers?  Or is that cruel?

desdemona39

Separation anxiety is part of normal, healthy development. Your LO needs Mama or Dada because you are his sense of security in the world.

If you need to leave the room for some reason and your H is not there to hold him, a minute or 2 of crying won't kill him, but I wouldn't leave just to leave. That may make the separation anxiety worse.

I also wouldn't make him stay in someone else's arms when he is clearly unhappy and crying.

 

MandyD82

Always talk to LO and tell them what you are doing when you leave. mama needs to run to the bathroom, but I will be right back. Dont ever sneak away, it will make it worse. If you are across the room, we have a great room with living room, eat in, and kitchen, so when Io to the kitchen, I keep talking and saying what I am doing. They LO know I am near and still in contact. Waves, etc. I think the stage you are in now lasted about 1 month for us. Now it's starting when we leave at daycare.