Separation Anxiety at Bedtime

Helping kids cope with separation anxiety at bedtime.

Separating from mom and dad at the end of the day can make a toddler or preschooler pretty anxious. While bedtime routines can help smooth the transition, after that it’s up to them to fall asleep. However parents can help kids with their fears of separation, explains Dr. Cathryn Tobin, author of “The Lullababy Sleep Plan”. “For children that are afraid at night, I encourage parents to believe in their child’s ability to deal with the stress. And so I suggest you tell your child she’s strong, she can deal with it. Give her a goodnight kids, give her lovey or blankie, and then you leave the room. Before you leave the room however, offer your child one come-back. That means she can call you back for another kiss, another drink of water, a quick trip to the bathroom, for more reassurance, but after that it’s “I love you, but good-night”.

The Parent Report’s guest expert is Dr. Cathryn Tobin, author of “The Lullababy Sleep Plan”.

Adapted from The Parent Report Radio Show. Any advice or information contained herein should never be a substitute for professional and/or medical advice, diagnosis and treatment. For more information please review Terms of Service.