A MOTHERS STORY PART 2 
Babies go through separation anxiety at different stages of their development. Some babies experience it more than others, but I have found from my own experience that the two most common stages are around ten months and eighteen months. 

Recently, if you read my previous blog ‘Extended Breastfeeding and Medication’ you will remember the mother whom I supported while she was in hospital and separated from her toddler. 

A few days after she was able to go home, she called me again because her daughter was screaming every time she moved away from her. She could not even go to the bathroom without a screaming toddler at her feet. 

Well I knew exactly what to suggest… it’s a wonderful thing often used by mothers with children who have ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and I have found it an invaluable tool in my own parenting for major changes and traumatic experiences.

It’s called a Social Story and to keep it simple for toddlers you use lots of pictures to explain what the child has felt, how they feel now and what’s going to happen next.  

I have included an example below. 
JENNY’S MOMMY WENT TO HOSPITAL
Mommy had a very sore tummy so had to go to hospital (picture of Jenny and mommy) 
Jenny was very sad but granny gave her lots of cuddles (picture of granny and Jenny) 
Granny played lots of fun games with Jenny (picture of Jenny playing) 
The doctors made mommy all better (picture of doctors)
Mommy came home and Jenny was very happy (picture of Jenny and mommy)
Jenny got scared mommy was going to go away again  ☹️
Mommy held Jenny and told her it’s going to be ok. mommy is not going anywhere (picture of mommy and Jenny) 
Jenny can be happy now and play with her toys again (picture of Jenny playing ) 
I know this has worked for my children and I was happy to hear that it helped her family too.

The mother ended up back in hospital a week later so the grandmother was able to make another story to help the toddler cope. 
Her words to me were: “It’s something so simple, that works so well!” 
That’s all from me for now. 😀.