Parents can allow some baby-like behavior, but must set clear limits and consequences. They can keep daily stress to a minimum by allowing their toddler extra time to complete tasks. Parents can try to spend time alone with their child. They can let their child spend time with another adult such as a grandparent or family friend who is the same sex as the parent who does not live at home. Preschoolers still don't understand what separation or divorce means, but they know their parents are angry and upset, and they live apart.
Preschoolers feel a sense of loss and sorrow.
Preschoolers wonder what will happen to them and fear being abandoned by their noncustodial parent. They often blame themselves for the separation or divorce. They think if they had behaved better, their parents would have stayed together. Preschoolers may feel responsible. When being punished, perhaps the child wished one parent would go away and now that parent is gone.