Communication Mailbox: How to Help Your Child With Separation Anxiety from Mom or Dad

The Communication Mailbox

      Does your child have difficulty separating when you leave home? Does your job keep you away during the day, night, or for days at a time? Try our tool, “The Communication Mailbox.” The mailbox system allows your child to feel connected when you are away and aid in reducing their separation anxiety. Families have successfully used this technique when Dad was away on a business trip, Mom works the night shift, when a parent was in the hospital, and when Mom and Dad left for a day of R&R. Several schools and daycare facilities have utilized the Mailbox as a support for a child transitioning into school.

How to Make a Communication Mailbox:

     Create a mailbox by decorating a box with your child. A shoe box or wooden craft box from an art store such as Michael’s will work well. Grab stickers, glue, crayons, and markers and enjoy being creative with your child.

How to Use:

      Before you leave the house place a note or picture in the mailbox. Once you have left, your child can receive your note and leave you letters, drawings, or pictures. When you get home replace with another note for your child. This will help your child feel connected and reduce their anxiety triggered by separation. 
     You can also alter the technique to a digital mailbox - leaving photos and notes for your older children.

Share with us your experiences with your Communication Mailbox!