When there are tears and tantrums, it’s no wonder you dread having to say goodbye to your child. Here’s how to make the parting stress-free…

By Fiona Gibson

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Back to work…

Separation anxiety is the most stressful aspect to returning to work, according to a US study, with a third of women finding it harder to manage than

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Saying goodbye

You can make parting easier by developing a ritual for each time you leave.

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Short and sweet

Anything new and different can trigger separation anxiety, so pave the way to a happy transition by visiting a nursery or child minder before your child ac

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‘What will you do today?’

To help your child to feel positive about going to her nursery or child minder’s, chat to her as you walk or drive, asking her

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Bedtime tears and fears

Separation anxiety doesn’t just occur when your child is being left with a care-giver.

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A cuddly friend

If your child is unsure about being parted from you, there’s nothing wrong with letting her take a favourite cuddly toy or blanket.

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‘Want Mummy, not Daddy…’

It can be hurtful when your child kicks up merry hell whenever you hand him over to Dad.

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Getting to know you

If your toddler howls for you when the babysitter takes over, you can wonder whether going out is actually worth all the angst.

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You’re back… so why the tears?

Don’t be alarmed if your child bursts into tears when you pick him up from nursery, his child minder’s or a party.

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Little setbacks

Occasionally, you might notice a sudden resurgence of tears and clinginess. This might be due to feeling over-tired or under the weather.

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Happy days

‘A couple of weeks after Alfie started nursery, I peeked in through the window as I was leaving, just to see what he was doing,’ admits his mum Alli