Have you have ever felt separation anxiety when your child is away?
You are not alone. Millions of mothers worldwide worry about their children. Moms care about how their children’s health, feelings and well being. Nearly every mom has built-in intuition that tunes into her child.
So what is separation anxiety and how does it affect mothers? Separation anxiety for moms involves the fears, thoughts and worry that something bad may happen to their children should they leave their mother’s side.
The situation is even more difficult for mothers with only one child. Those moms have poured all of their love, attention, energy and time on their one-and-only child. Now, as their son or daughter leaves home, moms plagued by separation anxiety can’t stop thinking about them and wondering if they are safe.
Moms are involved with their child from the first days of pregnancy to the last days on earth. And there are plenty of situations and events that can cause worry, from taking those first steps to the first day of school, to trips with friends, going off to college or relocating to a different part of the country for a new career. When that child dies, the grief is overwhelming and the world seems to end for every parent, but especially for a mother who loves her child.
If the condition of separation anxiety bothers you, here are five steps to remove worry and renew your peace of mind.
1. Instead of planning a “going away” party, hold a “going ahead” celebration.
Let’s face it, separation anxiety often imagines the ending a continual physical presence. Re imagine the outcome. Train your thoughts that your a child is “going ahead” to a life that is even better. Your child will return to a more mature and meaningful friendship with you.
2. Surrender your desire to hold on.
Look at nature. Mother birds teach baby birds to fly, often by pushing them out of the nest. Then, they catch them as they fall. When baby birds can fly on their own, they leave the nest and can soar to new heights. Look on with pride and thanksgiving.
3. Remain in touch – with self control.
Counselors and psychologists warn about “s-mothering” a child. Too much attention pushes a child away. Very young children who cannot feed, protect or clothe themselves, need regular contact and monitoring. When children get older, they need to learn how to fly as adults.
As a teenager or young adult departs for school, a job or to travel, make contact on a consistent, respectful basis.
4. Hold up your children in prayer.
Nearly every major world religion that has stood the test of time, represents God as a loving, protecting and wise Parent who cares for all people. Connect with God through prayer and experience deep peace and hope even when life conditions are difficult.
5. Understand that you and your child have connected for life.
For some moms, separation anxiety may begin at birth.Separa,tion Anxiety and Moms Every mom that gives birth to a child started that life in her uterus. Every unborn baby is connected to its mom by a lifeline of the umbilical cord.
