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Coping With Separation Anxiety

It's your child's job to learn how to cope -- and your job to let her.

Question:


My 7-month-old screams when I leave the room. What should I do?

Answer:

All infants go through normal separation anxiety.

There really isn't anything special you need to do. It's her job to learn to cope with separation, not your job to never leave her side so she doesn't protest. Just go about your business and give her all the love and nurturing you always have.

Don't think you have to avoid any separations. She has to learn how to deal with it and she can't do that if you never give her the opportunity to separate from you.


Ask Dr. Parker

WebMD's pediatrician Steven Parker, MD, answers your questions.

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