How do I feel about my childs separation anxiety? Honestly, its absolutely one of the most delightful feelings I really enjoy as a mom.
I remember when my son was between 8-9 months old. Just like every mother, I couldnt forget those moments.
At that time, he often asked for more attention from me rather than from anybody in the house. No matter where he was or who was holding him, as soon as he saw me, he suddenly cried as if he was asking me to hold him.
When I came close to him, he abruptly opened his arms and looked so happy. His cry stopped in a moment. It was truly an unspoken feeling I had experienced.
But there was also time when he acted differently from what I had expected. When I went for work, I thought he would cry hard to see me leaving him. I hugged him tight and kissed his face again and again.
I told him, Baby, Mommy have to go to work now. Eat and drink a lot, okay? And have a good nap. Ill be back. Love you much. Bubye.
Sometimes he kept looking at me when I said so. I expected him to start weeping. But it didnt happen. I wondered why. I found out later that he was interested with the wheels of the car I traveled in everyday.
Whenever the car started to run, my son always kept his eyes on the wheels. Looking at them spinning must have been very exciting to him. I just smiled, though my heart broke a little. I soothed myself by thinking that it was good for him being curious of strange things.
My son is a baby who has sleeping problem. Throughout the night during his sleep, he often woke up several times. If he woke up and didnt find me nearby, he would cry out loud, making the whole house panic as if something really bad happen.
When I got into the bedroom, he would crawl toward me, and then I hugged him. Hed be calm afterward. Breastfeeding really worked to put him back to sleep.
Thank God I decided to breastfeed him so that I wouldnt be engaged with the rush of preparing formula during the night. Yes, I chose to breastfeed him in nighttimes, even though he still got formula in day times.
Maybe this breastfeeding activity had created the bond between us. I enjoyed it, and still until now. This might also what made my son didnt want to stay away from me.
If your baby or child has the same characteristic as my son has, Im sure you have the same feeling as I do. If you think that your babys cry (for being away from you) annoy you, just remember that it wont last forever.
Separation anxiety is a phase in your childs development during his early years of life. Almost all children go through this experience. What I can suggest you is just enjoy these intimate moments before theyre gone along with your childs growth.
From what Ive heard from my friends about this, youre gonna miss the moments. To me, even now, I really dont want the phase fade away.
Wait, wait. Theres one more thing Id like to share with you, which you may not think will make your child comfortable. I remember my friend told me that if youre going somewhere, dont forget to tell your child that youll be back. Instead of sneaking out of the house, waving your hand and saying that youll be back will soothe him somehow. |
