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Listen You need to listen to your child's protest about separation. The way your toddler knows you are listening, is that you respond to their distress by preparing them for the separation. In my clinical practice, I teach parents to play a revised version of the game peek-a-boo.

Peek-A-Boo • Tie one end of a strand of yarn around your waist and the other end around your child's waist • Have your child "leave" by going behind a wall where you cannot see them and they cannot see you for a second • Quickly "return" into sight • Giggle with excitement when you find each other • Extend the time you are out of each other's sight • Extend the distance between you and your child • Move down a hall, behind the wall and quickly come back • Always express delight when you see each other again • When out of sight, say aloud, "Where oh where is Scott, I wonder where Scott went; he was here a moment ago. I know last time he went around the corner, he came back, I wonder how long it will take this time before I see him again?"

This practice helps the two of you play out separation while still connected by the strand of yarn. You create a fun game in which your child can feel safe. With this game, your child begins to understand that you can be gone and you do come back. When all is going well, you can move to the final stages.

• Help your child cut the yarn but let the yarn drag on the floor; don't remove it yet • Continue playing the game with the strand of yarn dragging on the ground • Keep the game short and fun • Later, start playing the game without yarn • If your child resists, go back to leaving a strand of yarn on each of you until your child not longer needs it

Remember, "In order to get from what was to what will be, you must go through what is"

As with all new skills and changes in behavior, persistence is an essential tool. Replace yourself to get a breather After your child is comfortable playing the peek-a-boo game, you may start giving your child a transitional object.

• Give your child a scarf of yours (it smells like you) to learn how to fold • Practice folding the scarf before you go off to the shower • Soon your child becomes confident about folding the scarf (one or two folds is enough) • Excitedly tell your child what a good job, he or she did folding the scarf • Bring extra scarves for your child to fold while you are in the bathroom • Practice, going in and coming out quickly, then for longer times • Excitedly tell your child what a good job, he or she did folding the scarf

Notice that the focus is on your child's accomplishment, not on your leaving. You left your child with a task, you are a part of the task and you appreciate the effort your child put into learning to fold.

Full Article, that site, HomepageChildren just want to be like their parents.