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SEPARATION ARTICLES
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No Parental Guilt!
By Joan LeFebvre

Parents often feel guilty and distressed about their child's natural reaction to a separation and may unwittingly prolong and reinforce a separation reaction. There are two ways in which a parent can go wrong here: By leaving too soon and by not leaving soon enough. You walk a fine line, and choosing the perfect moment to make your move can be tricky. But whatever you do, be sure to say goodbye. Don't just sneak out as soon as your child's attention is diverted. On the other hand, don't linger. Reassure your preschooler through your words and your actions that everything will be fine in your absence and that you will come back for him soon.

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Be calm and consistent.
By KidsHealth (The Nemours Foundation)

Create an exit ritual during which you say a pleasant, loving, and firm goodbye. Stay calm and show confidence in your child. Reassure him or her that you'll be back - and explain how long it will be until you return using concepts kids will understand (such as after lunch) because your child can't yet understand time. Give him or her your full attention when you say goodbye, and when you say you're leaving, mean it; coming back will only make things worse.

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