Hey {{first_name}}
Back-to-school season brings new routines, new teachers, and sometimes… tough goodbyes.
Separation anxiety can feel overwhelming when your child clings, cries, or refuses to let go.
Here are 3 playful, sensory-friendly strategies you can try:
✨ 1. Practice Through Play
Kids learn best by doing. Practice short “away times” at home using games like:
Magic Number Game: Pick a “magic number” together (like 20). Set a timer and go into another room while your child waits. When the timer hits the number, you come back. Slowly increase the number as your child builds confidence.
String Game: Hold a string together and slowly increase the distance between you, making separation more manageable in steps.
Secret Mission: Give your child a small “mission” (e.g., retrieve a toy from another room) and return. Over time, increase the distance.
These games let children rehearse the feeling of separation in safe, bite-sized ways.
✨ 2. Create a Wearable Charm
Make a simple bracelet, necklace, pocket charm or painted small rock together. Wearing it reminds your child you’re still connected even when you’re not around.
✨ 3. Comfort Through the Senses
Provide regulating input your child can use to help calm their nervous system.
Proprioceptive input (deep pressure hug, hand squeeze, or “bear hug” before goodbye)
A small fidget or chewable in their pocket
Clothing or scarf that smells like home
💡 Bonus for Parents + Kids
Books are a powerful way to externalize fears:
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
The Invisible String by Patrice Karst
And for you: The Opposite of Worry by Lawrence J. Cohen
And most importantly, remember, you are the expert on your child!! Trust your intuition, adapt these ideas in ways that feel right for your family, and do what works best for your child’s unique needs.
Separation anxiety is hard on kids and parents, but small steps, consistency, and playful practice can help ease the worry over time.
You’ve got this,
Effie
