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by Jacqueline B. Sallade, Ed.D.
Separation from one's mother or father can be hard at any age,
but it is especially hard for the baby between ages one and two.
This age is characterized by separation anxiety - the inability
to comprehend that the parent's departure is temporary and not
in any way a rejection.
Even if expected by or customary for the child, separation -
especially when the child is placed with an unfamiliar person,
even for a short time - can lead to long bouts of crying, disruption
of eating and sleeping schedules, and mistrust of people. It is
important that the child be exposed gradually to new caretakers,
whether they are relatives or baby-sitters.
The transition can be made smoothly only if the toddler perceives
that Mom or Dad trusts the new person, learns that he or she will
return - first soon, and gradually after longer absences - and
develops a comfortable relationship with the new caretaker.
Talk to someone who can help. If you would like the name of a qualified
psychologist in your area, please try our Psychologist
Locator.
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