This episode continues exploring how separation anxiety is made worse during COVID-19. While the previous episode discussed how separation anxiety as a natural developmental process at each age and stage during "normal" times and described how separation anxiety typically appears in children, this episode uses that information as a base to go over how parents may see more separation anxiety in their children due to the pandemic and the changes in society that have occurred as a result.

While acknowledging that the pandemic is hard for parents to manage, it is even harder for our children. The main idea in making this situation easier for our children is to accept that things are less scary when we know what they are. This means that we can support our children by focusing on accepting and labelling feelings to make them seem less overwhelming. We also need to be flexible on how we manage this situation as the pandemic continues to progress and evolve.

The change from our current reduced social circles to larger ones with the return to school, university, and work may increase separation anxiety in our kiddos. In order to help our children adjust, four approaches are presented to support our kids at each age and stage:

--  0-3 years: Creating patterns when parents leave and return
--  3-5 years: Focus on body control through deep breathing
--  6-13 years: Help them explore feelings and feel empowered to influence the situation 
--  13-19: Build resilience and maintain hope in difficult times

Patience is key throughout this process for parents and their kiddos.

Just to let you know, for the duration of the Proactive Parenting podcast launch, I will be releasing two episodes a week instead of my normal weekly release schedule. I hope you enjoy the extra episodes.

Proactive Parenting is based on validated theories and scientific research to provide the information you need to care for your modern family. Not everyone grew up in a completely healthy family of origin and consequently may be unsure of how to be a parent when they start a family. Proactive Parenting was created for parents who need a solid foundation to start raising their children, and for parents who want to do better. It is a way to move past old behaviours, break unhealthy habits, and replace them with parenting actions that will lead to a healthy family life for both children and parents.

If you want to learn more about Proactive Parenting, please visit my webpage and social media sites:

Website: www.proactiveparenting.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deannamariemason

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.deannamariemason/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeannaM_Mason