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Bye Bye, Babysitter
Help Your Toddler Cope After a Beloved Sitter Leaves
By Shel Franco
If your caregiver's departure is abrupt, you can still utilize much of the pervious advice; however, according to Dr. Arinoldo, it may be more difficult for you to remain calm and positive. "But stay calm and positive they must," he says. "I would also tend to think that, if a caregiver leaves abruptly without notice, I'm not so sure that I would want my child with that person to begin with."
Once the news is out or the sitter is gone, your child may begin to exhibit changes in emotion and behavior that signal stress. "Usually, any significant deviation from the norm is a sign that a problem is either brewing or is already present," Dr. Arinoldo says. "These changes could include changes in sleeping or eating patterns, changes in personality, or the child may become negative. If, however, the child is already a negative child, then look for signs that this behavior is becoming worse. The child may also become moody and begin withdrawing from family interactions and communications."
If you notice any of the above signs, don't panic. Dr. Arinoldo says letting the child talk and listening to what the child says are important here. "[Parents] should not take what the child is saying lightly, nor should they make fun of the child or insult the child with a sarcastic comment," he says.
