A difficult goodbye can stir up feelings for both child and caregiver. These examples offer a way to plan the transition and ask for support.
Start with brief familiar separations
Try short periods with a caregiver the child knows, then build up gradually rather than beginning with a long unfamiliar stay.
Small, familiar separations can help build confidence.
Talk about coming back together
With a toddler, describe what you will do together after you return. Keep the goodbye calm and reassuring.
A familiar reunion plan can help make the goodbye understandable.
Get support for prolonged distress
Talk to a health visitor if anxiety causes marked distress, lasts long after you leave, or continues for more than a few weeks.
Persistent or intense separation distress is a reason to ask for support.
Read it. Try it. Come back to why.
Original reflection: plan one short separation with a familiar caregiver, a simple goodbye, and a reunion activity. Ask the caregiver what helped your child settle.
Practise all 3 questions →