What are some steps to help calm a child who has a hard time leaving the parents?

Question

What are some steps to help calm a child who has a hard time leaving the parents?

Answer 1

Get them in a sleeper-hold until they pass out. ( not from lack of oxygen! )

Answer 2

I would evaluate why he is leaving his parents, and see if maybe there are some situations where he could stay with his parents.

I would evaluate the place that he is being left.  Is there something about it that is not the best environment for him?  Can we change it, or can he be left somewhere else?

I would consider his health.  Is he tired, or half sick?   Is that why he is clingy?   I make sure he was getting a good night's sleep before I dropped him off.

I would use routines, like kissing his hand, so that if he misses me, he can put his hand up to his cheek.   I would leave something familiar with him like a toy or a blankie.

I would promise that I would call later to check on him, and then keep that promise, so he wouldn't feel totally left.

If he was old enough, I'd leave a cell phone with him, and tell him to give me a call if he felt like he needed to talk to me.

I would try to arrange a treat for later at the place he is being left.  For instance, I might pick up his favorite dessert treat, and drop it off with him, and promise him he could have some after lunch, or bring some new toys like a special coloring kit and promise he can open it and play with it after I leave.   Give him something to look forward to.

Answer 3

When my grand daughter (2years old) comes to my house to spend the night or for me babysit, she sometimes gets emotional, so I find it best if i just pick her up and that her parents just walk out. If she notices them gone, I offer ice cream or a video or a color book. She gets over it pretty quick.

Answer 4

little more info would be helpful-age of the child? daycare only or family also?? when my son did this he went to daycare for the first time. the first week was bad. i got through it by talking constantly to him on the way there, acting really excited for his sake. i kept telling him in the car where we are going, what he might do( you can get a schedule), what he can make me. what he will probably be doing when i pick him up. that way he knows there is a time associated with him going home. i also found out a few of the names of the kids he played with the first day. then the next, i kept mentioning them. i worried for a week, but i called and the teacher told me he was actually fine after the first 5 min each day the first week. so you might want to call to make sure he isn't putting a show on for you. once you leave the room, stay out also. don't freak out and come back. otherwise it will take longer for them to adjust and they will think if they throw a fit or cry or wahtever they are doing, you will run back. that will make it worse. make sure you take an extra 10 min, walk areound the room with him, or hold him and have him tell you about things in the room he is familiar with. even if it is the first time there example: if there is atoy there that he has at home" look!! you have one of those too!!-something familiar to them. good luck, just don't give in. remember the harder it is for you , the worse you will make it on them.

Answer 5

At camp, we would just hold or carry the child. Talk to them in a soothing voice, give them hugs, and try to interact with them playing games or singing a song. You try to distract them. Involve them. Sometimes you just have to let them cry. Keep an eye on them. Let them know that you care and that they will see mommy or daddy again at this time or very soon. But right now we are going to play. Mommy or daddy have to go to work. They want you to have fun. You just reassure them. Try to keep them busy. Tell them the day will fly if they have fun.

Answer 6

Great question!  Here are some tips:

1.  Read her signals

2.  "Get her" - Acknowledge her feelings

3.  Build trust - give her situations where she can explore on her own in a safe manor

4.  Establish a Good Bye ritual

5.  Celebrate achievements

6.  Be predictable

Answer 7

i wud sayy telll them wat yer doin [going ta git supplies] nd how long its gona take nd mabey tell him theyll git a reward wen u git bak ? or they might have an actual problem cuz ive never reallly heard of that happpeningg..

Answer 8

If you are the one they're being left with then distraction works wonders.  as a teacher I have to deal with this a lot.

I like the ideas from ^^.  A routine is good, but leaving quickly and firmly helps too.  If a parent keeps stalling their departure it agitates the child more.

Give them a special job to do when Mum or Dad has left and talk about their plans for the time they are with you.  Check in regularly (but not obviously), and tell Mum or Dad how great they were at the end of the day.