Remind yourself that the distress you see at the point of separation is most likely not going to continue after you are gone.'' Since it's short, make it sweet. Leaving the child with an ''I love you'' and a kiss may be helpful. Dr. Belsky suggests that you tuck a ''kiss'' into the child's pocket as a goodbye ritual. Acknowledge the child's feelings. Leave them with someone they know.
Children feel much more secure with a familiar face than with a strange one.
If you're using a new babysitter, ask her to come over at least 45 minutes before you leave. Parents should have a nice friendly conversation, maybe do some laughing with this person. Children usually feel that any friend of Mommy's is a friend of theirs. The ideas and suggestions in this book are not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of your child's doctor, nor are they intended to help you make a diagnosis about your child's health. If your child has a condition that requires diagnosis or medical attention, please seek competent medical care.