Lately the endearing lullaby from Disney’s Dumbo (the original 1941 version), Baby Mine, has been on constant replay in my mind, especially the first verse:
“Baby mine, don’t you cry. Baby mine, dry your eyes.
Rest your head close to my heart, never to part, baby of mine.”
The reassuring, loving bond formed between parent and child is most important in making and shaping a child’s future. And as your baby is being led through the ins and outs of this life, and in turn, having their character molded, you as their parent are their constant.
You are their trusted northern star. And with that comes the inevitable trial a baby is faced with, “I may know and trust you, but I’m not so sure about everyone else.”
This can be most difficult for a parent to work through, and I am by no means a professional in this arena – but from my own study and experience, the key is patience and understanding.
The process of working through a baby’s separation anxiety is a series of try, try and try again. Sound familiar in the world of parenting?
Separation Anxiety: Take One
Your undivided attention is necessary. Yes, you read that right, so let me write that again for the people in the back: your undivided attention is necessary.
Now you might be thinking, we are addressing separation anxiety, right? So how in the heck is giving my little one attention supposed to help? Let me enlighten you.
The more sincere love you give, the more you’ll fill your little one’s cup of love and affection needed to sustain them. Now this doesn’t mean giving just five straight minutes of hardcore playing and loving, or while spending time with them having your phone in hand or having the tv on with the next episode of the show you’re trying to catch up on.
Your baby will know if your time with them is truly theirs. Be present, be consistent, and have meaningful time with them to build them up so as to see them through any time apart from you.
Separation Anxiety: Take Two
Practicing being apart, like playing peek-a-boo for starters or taking a simple trip to the bathroom solo – crazy concept I know, helps them to understand that even though you may be gone one moment – you’re back the next. Being gone isn’t permanent.
Over time, take further steps by having loved ones in your inner circle, like grandparents, siblings, close friends, etc. come to spend one on one time with you and baby. Then in time, have these same close, familiar faces babysit for a short period of time in the beginning, whether that be for a half an hour or an hour at most.
This will help your little one build trust as they watch you interact with others outside of the home and as they’re being looked after without you in their own home, this’ll give them a safe, familiar environment to help ease them into time apart from you.
Separation Anxiety: Take 3
Later on as they age, you can continue practicing time apart by shipping them off to grandma’s house, schedule playdates, increasing time for loved ones to provide child care for you on the weekend or while you run an errand can all work out well.
Talk your little one through what is taking place, they may not fully understand, but giving them that reassurance now and even having a good-bye ritual they can come to be familiar with, can be a huge help and reassurance for them.
Just be sure to give your little one a chance to prepare, experience, and thrive in your absence!
Separation Anxiety: Take 431
Keep in mind that this process will take time, trial and error, and practice. As an added note, don’t try these measures if your little one is hungry, tired, sick, going through major changes, or starting off when they’re in an unfamiliar environment.
Remember that separation anxiety is a normal behavior and even a sign of a meaningful attachment your little one holds towards you.
Just be sure to practice, practice, practice. Babies feed off of familiarity and routine. Always consider their needs, pay attention to cues and signs to better help them through their separation anxiety.
And no matter the roadblocks along the way, treasure the fact that your little one not only knows and relies upon you, but loves and trusts you deeply.
So hold your little one close, comfort and reassure them, and continue to love them oh so well. Because dear parents, before you know it this too shall pass – the separation anxiety and this cherished time with your dear babe!
Over to you parents, what have been some tips and tricks that have helped you and your little one through their separation anxiety?
Please comment below and share this post if it has been of value to you or could be to someone else.
**If you enjoyed this article, feel free to check out these other great & insightful posts:
🎉https://stephanietracywrites.com/fun-important-games-to-help-in-your-babys-development/
🎉https://stephanietracywrites.com/why-giving-your-baby-the-freedom-to-explore-will-benefit-them-in-the-long-run/
🎉https://stephanietracywrites.com/the-importance-joy-of-reading-with-your-child-plus-a-list-of-25-of-our-familys-current-favorite-childrens-books/
🎉https://stephanietracywrites.com/fun-meaningful-easter-spring-family-activities/
About the Author
Hi there! I’m Stephanie Tracy, a freelance writer and blogger for hire. I specialize in physical and mental health, parenting, and self-development. I create engaging, inspiring and useful content to help businesses progress in making their viewers into customers. When I’m not writing, you can find me on the floor happily playing with my baby boy, walking in the park with my family, or indulging in a movie marathon with my husband.
3 Tips to Help You Through Your Baby’s Separation Anxiety
