Separation meltdowns in small children are not a sign that something is wrong with your child.
They are a sign that your child prefers you over other caregivers.
As their primary attachment figure, you function as the place they feel the most secure, so for a few young years (usually between 9mo-3.5/4 years old), they won't want to separate from you, especially in situations where there are no other family members or close familiar relationships.
Though this is emotionally laborious for us as caregivers, their clinging is a natural part of a secure attachment relationship in early childhood.
Try using separation rituals to help your children feel some control in the process and have a positive moment to look forward to in the separation process.
.webp){kind=avatar}
In this video, the speaker discusses time outs from a perspective based on attachment research, emphasizing the importance of taking breaks to help reset our brains when we are dysregulated and the need for calm co-regulation rather than isolating with shame or pain as a lesson, adding that the lesson we want to teach is that our bodies need breaks sometimes to calm down so our brains can make good, safe choices - and this lesson applies to marriages as well!
Learn why suggesting activities to a bored child may not be effective as it triggers a stress response in their brain, and instead, how to hold space for their emotional discomfort so they can reconnect with their executive functioning skills in this informative video.
.webp){kind=avatar}
In this video, learn how to better support your children's emotional regulation by prioritizing connection over correction.
%402x.svg){kind=icon}