How can you help your child cope well with your absence during the holidays?

Not all children are ready to part with their parents, even for a few days of vacation.

If this year you have planned to entrust your children to their grandparents or to summer camp and you dread the moment of separation, it is possible to prepare things so that they feel ready and you too.

Anticipate possible reactions

By relying on your child’s previous separation experiences, you can begin to get an idea of how he might react during a longer separation. For the little ones, who tend to see the world from their point of view only, the fear of abandonment and the guilt of not being with their parents can make this moment difficult.

This is why, even if you have to separate for only a few days, anticipating things with him as soon as the date of the trip is known is essential to help him live well with your absence.

Put it in the best conditions

To prepare your child for your absence during the holidays, do not hesitate to tell him what will happen:

– Reassure him by telling him about the person who will look after him, preferably someone familiar, whether it’s a family member or an attendant he can meet beforehand.

– Ask him to choose his comforter or his favorite object that he can keep with him to comfort him. You can also give him an item of clothing with your scent or perfume.

– Give him a photo of you or a short video without forgetting to call him regularly by videoconference during the stay.

– Have him make a calendar where he can tick off or draw a picture of each day left before your reunion.

– Inform him about the activities he will be doing and ask him if he would like to bring certain toys.

– Make him participate in the preparation of his suitcase so that he chooses what he takes.

Finally, do not forget to inform the person who will take care of him of his usual routine to help him maintain certain bearings and a stability that will reassure him during your absence.

Find out more: “Questions / answers around separation anxiety 0-3 years. A pediatrician at home” by Françoise Ceccato, Mango editions.