Goodbyes can be so hard! With the approach of a new school year, I often get asked to discuss separation anxiety.

Although this year may look very different for you, you may still be grappling with how to separate from your child in ways that limit the tears.

While separation anxiety is a normal stage of development for infants and toddlers, there are things us parents can do to help ease their anxiety and a lot of it begins with managing our own first.

In my latest YouTube video, I share some reasons why your child may be experiencing anxiety during Goodbyes and some simple things you can do to help ease their minds.

Keep in mind, if your child’s anxiety seems intense or prolonged, especially if it interferes with their daily activities, this may mean they are experiencing a separation anxiety disorder. Here are some signs to look out for (from MayoClinic.org):

-Recurrent and excessive distress about anticipating or being away from home or loved ones

-Constant, excessive worry about losing a parent or other loved one to an illness or a disaster

-Constant worry that something bad will happen, such as being lost or kidnapped, causing separation from parents or other loved ones

-Refusing to be away from home because of fear of separation

-Not wanting to be home alone and without a parent or other loved one in the house

-Reluctance or refusing to sleep away from home without a parent or other loved one nearby

-Repeated nightmares about separation

-Frequent complaints of headaches, stomachaches or other symptoms when separation from a parent or other loved one is anticipated

If you’re concerned about your child’s development, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a local mental health therapist who can assess your child and give tailored support and recommendations. In the meantime, check out my latest YouTube video for easy to try tips that may help ease separation anxiety.

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