5 years old scared of being alone even for few mins
jjoseph posted on Wed, 11/30/2011 - 10:45
My son is 5 years old and mostly we 2 are together in the house but I have observed that he is scared to be alone even for few mins. We live in an Apartment with proper security. Yesterday I had to just go down and get some ironed clothes from the washerman below the apt. so I asked my son to sit and watch TV for few mins and I would be back. I locked the main door from outside. It took hardly 5 mins and when I returned I found my son crying and screaming at the top of his voice.
I have come across kids of this age who stay alone for a couple of hours when their parents are alone. What is wrong with my son that he is not doing so?
Maybe till now have never left your child away from you. Before leaving your child alone at home first make him used to sitting alone and doing things like watching TV, some writing, drawing etc. Once your child gets used to spending time alone he will be able to spend few minutes alone at home.
Talking about fear of anything you have to make your child understand his strength and nothing there what he cannot do.
There is nothing strange in your son not being comfortable in staying alone. You have never given your son an opportunity to stay on his own and the way you want your son to be independent you have to take a step at a time.
I do not think that you should be leaving your 5 years old alone at home for long. But yes your child should be able to stay on his own for sometime. These days most of us live in nuclear family so need to train our kids for any situation.
First you need to talk to your son and give him confidence that he is safe at home. Another thing is let him know that you are always there with him when needed. And that he is very strong as some favorite character of his like Chhota Bheem etc. and he should be on his own without Mama's help. In fact he should be the one who takes care of Mama as he is old enough.
I am sure talks and slowly making him stay on his own will help your child.
5 years of age is too early to expect a child to stay alone. My daughter is 6 years old and I do not leave her alone at home for more than 20-30 mins. I will suggest you to wait before you start leaving your child alone. But definitely you can start making him independent as suggested by others.