5 Tips For Nannies To Ease Separation Anxiety In Young Children

Most children around the age of 8 to 9 months understand that their parents are permanent figures in their life and get upset when they can no longer see them; known as separation anxiety, they may begin to cry or cling to the parents when they fear they are leaving. Some children experience this anxiety more than the others, with the problem worsening when the parents admit guilt or remorse or change plans.  Nannies can ease this anxiety by understanding it and making the child secure until the parent/parents return.

Each child is unique and a nanny may have to use a different method for easing separation anxiety in each child. However there are some general techniques that work for most children; learn what triggers the anxiety and think of different ways to first decrease and then eliminate separation anxiety.

5 tips a nanny can use to ease separation anxiety in children:

1) Most nannies get a chance to become familiar with the child/children; once hired most nannies get a chance to talk, play and get to know the child/children well before the first day of caring for them alone. These initial short meetings would make the child/children more comfortable with the nanny. There would be very little or no separation anxiety if the nanny is engaged when the child is an infant; they have always been with the nanny and would feel safe with them.

2) It would help a lot if the nanny learns about the child’s routine and tries to adhere as close as possible to their normal routine. A consistency of routine will make the child feel secure even when the parents are away; this will make the child/children feel that everything is the same minus the dad and mum.

3) It would greatly help ease separation anxiety when the nanny displays calmness and confidence; it would make the child/ children feel there is someone like their parents to protect and care for them.

4) Nannies could ease separation anxiety in children by being respectful to their feelings; she should listen and soothe the child/children patiently when he/she is upset. Nannies should never bring up the subject of parents, but at the same time should answer any questions about when their parents would return directly and honestly.

5) Nannies have to learn how to distract the child/children, but should not trick them. There should be some fun activity right after the parents leave. It is not a good idea to distract the child while a parent is leaving because firstly it just delays the inevitable once they realize the parent is gone. Secondly the child/children start feeling that the parent and the nanny tried to trick them giving rise to trust issues.  Experienced nannies find ways to positively engage the child.

To conclude separation anxiety is a passing phase and most children get over it by the time they go to preschool when they start adjusting to new people and environments.  

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