đź’›Separation Anxiety - with Clinical Psychologist Dr Frankie Harrison
In this video, Clinical Psychologist Dr Frankie Harrison discusses how separation anxiety can be a very natural response for both parents and children, particularly after experiences such as birth trauma or time in neonatal care. When a baby has needed intensive support early in life, it can understandably heighten a parent’s sense of vigilance and worry when apart. A gradual approach to separation can help rebuild a sense of safety. Starting with short separations and slowly increasing the time or distance can support both parent and child in adjusting. Creating predictable goodbye and reunion routines can also provide reassurance and stability — pas à pas (step by step).
Small, comforting rituals can make separation feel more manageable. Transitional objects, such as a favourite toy or “lovey,” can help children feel connected when their parent is away. Some families even draw a heart on each other’s arms as a reminder that they are still connected while apart. For parents, it is also important to recognise that feeling emotional or “wobbly” during separation is completely understandable. Gently bringing your attention back to the present moment and reminding yourself that “now is not then” can help prevent anxious spirals into the “what ifs.” With time, patience, and compassionate support, confidence in separation can gradually grow for both parent and child.
#NICUParents #BirthTraumaSupport #SeparationAnxiety #ParentMentalHealth #PostnatalMentalHealth #NeonatalCare #TraumaInformedCare #MindfulParenting #MindFriend
