The No-Cry Separation Anxiety Solution: Gentle Ways to Make Good-bye Easy from Six Months to Six Years

by Elizabeth Pantley

A tear-free approach to child separation blues-from the bestselling 'No Cry' author a generation of parents have come to trust
Almost every child suffers some sort of anxiety during their first six years of life. Babies cry when grandparents hold them, toddlers cling to mommy's leg, children weep when their parent leaves them at daycare, at school, or to go to work. This can cause frustration and stress in an already too-busy day and can break a parent's heart. Trusted parenting author Elizabeth Pantley brings you another winning no-cry formula that helps you solve these common separation issues. Pantley helps you identify the source of anxiety and offers simple but proven solutions. This successful method gives anxious children something to remind them their parents aren't too far away-instantly providing them with the comfort and reassurance they need.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction

176 pages, Paperback

First published March 5, 2010

About the author

Elizabeth Pantley is a bestselling author of fiction and non-fiction books. She writes two well-loved cozy mystery series: The Magical Mystery Book Club, and the Destiny Falls Mystery and Magic series. She has also written the international bestselling No-Cry Solution parenting book series that is available in over twenty languages.

Elizabeth lives in the majestic Pacific Northwest and spends winters in the sunny desert of Arizona. While neither location is home to any paranormal beings (that she knows of) the vastly different yet equally lovely locations are the inspiration for the settings in many of her books.

Sign up for her newsletter to get a free novella at www.elizabethpantleyauthor.com

Reviews

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely a good read, I picked up this book and my kids decided to no longer have any issues. I'm ok with that but there is some handy tips in here if we encounter the separation issues again.

[Nadia P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somewhat helpful. A quick read.

[Smi4ever2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent advice.

[Katharine Coggeshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very well-done book for parents! I personally used this book with my oldest daughter when she was young and it was the most helpful parenting book I have ever read. I do not give this praise lightly!

[jacky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't as sure about this book as Pantley's books about sleep. I especially thought the magic bracelett being int eh back of the book sounded a bit silly. But, I read this anyway since it was short and her writing style is so easy to follow.

I found the information useful to have in the back of my mind for if Natalie or William develop separation or stranger anxiety beyond what we can easily control. Like her sleep books, Pantley gives many different ideas to try with your child based on the situation, personality, and age. I read the first chapter about separation anxiety in general, and then the toddler and baby chapter. I also read the magic bracelet chapter and found it still a little silly that she includes on in the book, but that the basis of the idea is good (not all that different from a lovey). I then skimmed the rest of the book with covered older children and specific problems (like night time anxiety, starting school, divorce, etc). There was also a short chapter on parent anxiety which I skimmed as well. I found I could identify with a lot of what the parents in that section said, which was nice to read.

Overall, I didn't really need this book now, but got it out because I got the toddler sleep book. It is worth the time to read, and the first place I will probably go if we have some serious separation anxiety issues in the future.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to the "No-Cry" series, this book helps parents recognize that separation anxiety is common and normal for children at various ages and stages, and helps them decide what gentle, respectful steps to take to help ease a child's separation anxiety. I love that the book offers a balanced set of ideas that allows each family to choose the right mix of techniques for that family and the temperament and age of the particular child. It is wonderful how Pantley respects the close bond between parent and child, and still manages to present a variety of helpful techniques to prevent or eliminate separation anxiety. The Magic Bracelet is a creative solution that can work its "magic" with children of many ages. My 22-month-old was thrilled when I gave her her very own bracelet filled with my kisses and love.

[Janean · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty disappointed in this book. The whole basis is about a magic bracelet that you give to your child when you leave. The problem is that until they can understand what the bracelet is about, it doesn't help your child. There were a few good tips that I am trying but if anything, this book has made me think that maybe my child is normal and I am stressing about something that could be pretty normal behavior.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is largely geared toward younger kids, but there are still some helpful tips & ideas for parents of preschool age. The thing I love the most about Elizabeth Pantley is that she never talks down to her readers or treats us like we're stupid. She has practical advice in regular language. It just makes sense. Plus I love that she says that unless it's a problem for you, it doesn't need to be solved! YAY!

[Eve · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite point from this book, which applies to many parenting issues (and life issues) was that if somthing is not a problem to YOU, it's not a problem. The book had some great ideas to try out but also was very reassuring in explaining that separation anxiety is normal and is evidence of the bond between you and your child.

[The Twins · Rating 2 out of 5]

Probably works with smaller children really well but didn't find a lot of help for a 6 year old who has suddenly developed a severe separation anxiety. I liked the idea of a magic bracelet which unfortunately was dismissed by him for fear of being teased at school for wearing a bracelet - nothing we said could convince him otherwise. We are getting through it, little steps at the time...

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book just wasn't that helpful considering the fact that I've read The No Cry Sleep Solution (and loved it) and that I have three kids. I did come across a couple of good tidbits, but the vast majority of this book is either stuff I already knew or ideas that are in her sleep book. This book would probably be most helpful for a brand new mom.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good and helpful tips, but lots of repetition. Seems this could have been a much shorter book or even a booklet Some care providers were skeptical of our 'new methods', but we have held steady to our path and our sweet one seems to be adjusting better.

[Nicky · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had some great ideas but the author let us down by repeating herself.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

As L gets ready for nursery, hoping this will ease both our anxiety ... ELizabeth Pantley's books usually are kind and non judgey and feel like sound and helpful suggestions.

[Jenna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dissapointed in this book. No new ideas and seemed to be geared toward very young children despite saying it's for up to six year olds.

[Julia · Rating 2 out of 5]

ok for standard kids, no help for serious anxiety

[Julia · Rating 2 out of 5]

good for regular kids. Lots of ideas to help new parents. Not helpful for someone with anxiety disorder.

[May]

quick read for the parts re my baby. will have to read more in the future. So far, so good and has some good ideas to try.

[Ambermoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tout un tas d'idées utiles et faciles à mettre en pratique pour faciliter la séparation entre maman et bébé/bambin sans larmes. Il y en a forcément une dans le lot qui vous conviendra.

[Michelle Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Pantley book that we still reference. MANY of the tips we are still using.

They come in handy when Dad travels for business.