Separation Anxiety Tracker
Observe, support, and feel more confident over time. No scores, just gentle awareness.
There’s no ‘right’ result. Patterns matter more than individual days.
1 Drop-off Details
2 How were they?
3 Comfort & Notes
Stored privately on your device
No entries yet
Log 3-5 drop-offs to start seeing patterns. Small details can help you find what works best.
Mixed Week
You're building consistency. Small steps count.
Timeline
Remember:
Many children need weeks — sometimes months — to feel fully secure with separations. Signs of familiarity (like settling faster) are great progress.
Pick 1–2 strategies to try consistently. Small changes help toddlers feel safer.
Before Drop-off
Consistent goodbye routine
Using the same short goodbye each time helps your child understand what to expect.
Try: "Big kiss, high five, see you later."
Talk about the day ahead
Simple explanations can help toddlers feel more secure, even if they can't respond yet.
Try: "First nursery, then mummy comes back."
Comfort object
A familiar item from home (muslin, toy) can provide reassurance when you're not there.
During Goodbye
Keep goodbyes calm and brief
Lingering can sometimes make separations harder. Confident leaving signals "you are safe here".
Acknowledge feelings
It’s okay to say ‘I know this feels hard’ while still leaving confidently.
Trust the caregiver
Children often settle more quickly once the goodbye is actually complete.
After Pick-up
Reconnect gently
A calm reunion helps your child feel safe without reinforcing the earlier distress.
Reflect, don't interrogate
Short, open comments like ‘You played today’ are often enough. They might be tired.
At Home
Predictable routines
Consistency at home supports emotional security during the day.
Play out separations
Pretend play (hiding toys and finding them) can help toddlers process that things "come back".
Speaking a Home Language?
If you speak a different language at home, stick to your home language for goodbyes. It’s the language of love and comfort for your child, and hearing it helps them feel grounded and secure in who they are.
Support & Resources
Separation anxiety is common and usually temporary. If separations feel increasingly distressing, or you’re worried about your child’s wellbeing, a health visitor or GP can offer personalised support.
Parenting can be tough. If you need someone to talk to, Samaritans are available 24/7 on 116 123.