Separation Anxiety

 Leaving your children in the care of other adults even if it is in the Kids Church can be difficult.

Most children adjust quickly, and although they may be upset when you drop them off, they quickly settle down and enjoy the activities and the friendship of other children their age.

Separation anxiety can hit parents, too. It's hard to watch your child leave, even just for a Sunday school class. It's especially hard if your child seems upset.

Remember that your child can sense if your upset, if you're upset about leaving your child, your child is likely to be upset  too, remain confident in your child and in the church volunteer.

Here are some useful tips that can be used in order to make the separation more successful:

1. Have brief periods of separation to allow your child to develop ease in your absence and trust that you will return
2.  Ensure that your child is well rested, healthy, and fed prior to the church service.
3. Stay calm and assured during the separation.  Since children naturally absorb insecurities, remain confident in your child and in the church volunteer
4. Do not sneak out of the room, but do leave in a timely manner.  Delaying the process accentuates emotions.
5. Telling your child you'll be back.
6. Develop a special goodbye routine.  It could be a silly tickle, a high five, a hug, kisses in the hand to keep, kisses thrown in the air to catch, or a favourite phrase such as “Goodbye Crocodile” and “See you later Alligator.”  Say goodbye in this way on a regular basis.
7. Realize that this is a natural developmental phase.
8. Celebrate small victories and encourage your child in love.