If your child expresses nervousness or anxiousness when you leave the room or turn the lights out to go to bed, don't be alarmed. It is normal for a young child or toddler to experience anxiety during a new or seemingly scary situation, and is most likely a phase that she will grow out of, says the Mayo Clinic. Monitor your child's anxiousness and consult a doctor if anxiety remains for longer than a few months.
Step 1
Practice leaving your child in the care of other trusted adults, recommends the Mayo Clinic. Even if you really don't have to run an errand, leave your child for a few minutes with a friend or family member so your leaving the house doesn't seem like such a big deal anymore. Although it may take weeks for your child to get used to your leaving, eventually he will learn to rely on your return.
Step 2
Leave your child with a safety object, like a favorite toy or stuffed animal, before leaving the house or turning the lights off before bed so she will feel more comfortable.
Step 3
Create a consistent bedtime routine, recommends Trisha Thompson of Baby Center. Once you create a routine, like taking a bath, reading a story and tucking your child in, do the routine the same way every night. When your child knows what to expect at bedtime, he will feel safer and learn to enjoy the time you spend together before bed.
Step 4
Say goodbye to your child quickly and without prolonged emotion. Instead of showering her with kisses every time you leave the house, treat your leaving as an everyday, casual occurrence.
Step 5
Place a walkie-talkie in your child's room so she will feel more comfortable being in a different room. Keep a second walkie-talkie with you. Encourage your child to speak to you through the walkie-talkie when she feels scared. If necessary, respond to your child over the walkie-talkie in a calm voice. Once your child feels comfortable with the walkie-talkie, she may use it less and less.
Tips and Warnings
- Leave a nightlight on in your child's room to make her feel secure.
- Consult a doctor if your child begins to feel anxious after a specific event or trauma.
Things You'll Need
- Toy
- Stuffed animal
- Walkie-talkie
