The first time you leave your child with a sitter or in day care is a stressful moment for both you and your child. This normal feeling is called separation anxiety, and it is something all children experience at times. This is a common occurrence in children less than age two, and it can come back if a child care site or provider is changed.

It is easier to deal with this feeling if you feel comfortable with your child care provider. By choosing a safe, fun and loving child care facility for your child, you can rest assured that your child will be well cared for. Make sure you check the facility out well in advance of the first day. It can be helpful to introduce your child to the people that will be caring for them, and to show them around the facility. Try to find some fun distraction to attract your child, like an appealing toy, activity center or playground. Talk positively about the place and the people, and the excitement in your voice will help your child to be excited.

Once the day has come for you to leave your child, be as calm and matter of fact as possible. Have a simple & consistent ritual when you depart. Never try to sneak away while your child is not looking, always tell them you are leaving. If your child cries, remember that most of the time the crying stops very soon, and the child begins to have fun with the activities and other children. Let your child know when you will be back. Sometimes having a picture of you and your family in your child's lunch-box can help soothe the fears of separation anxiety.

Once you come back to pick them up, praise them for the good job they did that day. Allow them to show you what they did that day, and compliment them on any projects. The separation anxiety will be lessened when your child realizes you always come back. If your child starts having nightmares or other unusual behavior, ask a professional for advice.

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