Book Review-- The No-Cry Separation Anxiety Solution

by Elizabeth Pantley.

When Elizabeth Pantley's "people" invited me to review her new book, The No-Cry Separation Anxiety Solution I thought, "AWESOME!' I absolutely recommend her books to clients whenever I get the chance. Specifically, her sleep book for toddlers and preschoolers saved Henry and my sanity. I was really certain her new book about separation anxiety would deliver.

And it did!

The book covers ages 6 months to 6 years. I felt like I was lucky to get the WHOLE spectrum since all my children fall within these age ranges and each has dealt with varying degrees of separation issues.

Elizabeth clears points out that it is HEALTHY and NORMAL for our babies and children to want to be with us. It is GOOD. It is ANNOYING sometimes, but it is right. So, she makes the important point that there is NO reason to look for reasons to force our children into separation situations just so they "get used to it." When we need and want to be away from our children, though, the tips in the book are definitely worth while.

The book is broken down by age, and also by specific separation issues. So, if your toddler is suffering at day care, then BAM, there's a section for that. It also discusses stranger anxiety and how to handle it.

The main point that I think The No-Cry Separation Anxiety Solution makes is that when separation is necessary, regardless of the length of time, if your child is suffering, then you need to help soothe it as best you can. However, just simply putting a bandaid on the wound is NOT the answer. Soothing, yes, but proactive as well. Hence why the "Magic Bracelet" idea is so fantastic. This plan is for children preschool age and older and is a special bracelet (one comes with the book) that your child only wears when they are away. It supplies children with the love of their parents when they are separated. It helps them feel brave and capable. What a great idea. It empowers your child as well as comforts them.

AWESOME!

I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who's baby cries when they get put down, or for anyone who's child is reluctant for any reason to be away. It was a great, quick read.

Pros:
Easy to read
Lots of ideas so you can apply what works and disregard what doesn't
Works within a more "gentle" mindset.
Covers a large age range

Cons:
Um, the only issue I had is that I am a hormonal pregnant woman. So, reading this book, and hearing the personal stories of little children clinging to parents' knees made me cry, this was merely because I am an idiot.

Go get it. It is a wonderful resource for parents of very young children.