The Little Learner’s Blog | Berwyn Early Learning Academy

Helping Your Baby Feel Secure —Through Every Goodbye

Posted 16 days ago

Understanding your infant’s need for connection—and how to support it As a parent of an infant, you’ve probably experienced that heart-wrenching moment: you try to leave the room—or drop your baby off with a caregiver—and suddenly, tears. Big ones. Outstretched arms. That panicked look. You wonder, Did I do something wrong? Is my baby okay? If this sounds familiar, take a deep breath: your baby may be going through separation anxiety. It’s one of the most common developmental stages in infancy—and while it’s challenging, it’s also a sign that your baby is growing in exactly the right way. What Is Separation Anxiety in Infants? Separation anxiety typically begins between 6 to 9 months of age, though it can start a little earlier or later. It happens when your baby begins to understand that people still exist even when they’re not in sight (hello, object permanence!). That’s a huge developmental step—but it also brings with it a new worry: What if the person I love doesn’t come back? Suddenly, even a short goodbye can feel like a big deal. Signs Your Baby May Be Experiencing Separation Anxiety Crying when you leave the room Reaching out or clinging to you at drop-off Becoming upset in new environments or with unfamiliar people Waking more often at night, needing comfort None of these are signs of a problem—they’re simply how your baby is learning to express a need for safety and connection. Ways to Support Your Baby Through This Stage 1. Practice short, predictable separations Start small. Leave the room for a few minutes, then come back with a smile. This helps your baby build trust that you always return. 2. Create a simple goodbye ritual Something like a hug, kiss, and “See you soon!” gives your baby something steady and reassuring to hold onto. 3. Be calm and consistent Babies pick up on your cues. If you’re confident and loving during goodbyes, your baby learns that everything is okay—even when you’re not right there. 4. Narrate your coming and going Use your voice to reassure your baby: “Mommy’s going to get your lunch ready and will be right back.” Even if they don’t understand every word, the tone and rhythm of your speech is comforting. 5. Build relationships with trusted caregivers Whether it's a family member, teacher, or babysitter, helping your baby bond with others builds a wider circle of safety and trust. You're Doing Better Than You Think It’s tough to leave when your baby is crying for you. And it’s okay to feel a mix of emotions about that. But separation anxiety isn’t a sign you’ve done anything wrong—it’s a sign your baby knows they are loved and safe with you. This stage won’t last forever. In time, your baby will learn that every goodbye is followed by a joyful return—and that trust will shape their sense of security for years to come.

Big Questions from Little Voices: Helping Toddlers Explore Their World

Posted 4 months ago

“Why is the sky blue?” “What’s that?” “Where do birds sleep?” Anyone who’s spent time with a toddler knows their world is bursting with questions. From the moment they can speak, toddlers are filled with wonder and curiosity. Every moment is an opportunity to explore, and their growing minds are eager to make sense of the people, places, and patterns around them. Why Questions Matter When toddlers ask questions, they’re doing more than just talking—they’re learning. They’re practicing language skills, discovering how things work, and building relationships with the people they trust most. Encouraging their questions tells them their thoughts matter and that curiosity is a good thing. How to Support Their Wondering Be present and patient: Take their questions seriously, even if they’re silly or repeated. Your engagement teaches them that asking is always welcome. Give simple, truthful answers: You don’t have to know everything. A clear, age-appropriate answer—or even admitting “Let’s find out together!”—goes a long way. Model curiosity: Ask questions out loud yourself. “I wonder where that bug is going…” shows that it’s okay to explore and not have all the answers. Use books and stories: Reading together not only builds vocabulary but also gives toddlers new ways to ask and understand questions about the world and themselves. Celebrate the process, not just the answer: Praise their thinking: “That’s such a great question!” or “I love how you’re wondering about that!” When Questions Get Big Sometimes toddlers ask surprisingly deep or tricky questions: “What happens when someone dies?” or “Why do people get sick?” Don’t be afraid to pause and answer gently, keeping things honest but simple. These are early opportunities to shape a sense of trust, comfort, and even faith—when appropriate—while honoring your child’s developmental stage. Creating a Curious Environment Fill your child’s world with open-ended toys, nature walks, sensory play, and time for unstructured exploration. Create space for wonder—not just with things, but with time. A toddler who’s not rushed has room to think, notice, and ask. A Final Thought Your toddler may not remember every answer you give, but they’ll remember how you made them feel: heard, safe, and encouraged to explore. That’s the beginning of a lifelong love of learning—and it starts with one little question at a time.