The return to school and daycare means lots of separations. Practicing healthy goodbyes can help ease separation anxiety, which normally begins between 8-10 months and can reappear frequently throughout childhood.

Here are a few tips to offer parents:

• Avoid sneaking out. Parents should give a quick and upbeat goodbye.
• Stay calm. If parents appear upset, chances are that the baby will be too.
• Remind their baby that they will come back, and let them know that whomever they are staying with cares for them very much.

Share this handout on separation anxiety with families.