My nieces and nephews’ regular caregiver was replaced with someone new. The kids miss the first lady a lot. How do you explain or make it easier for a child to get over the person who they became attached to?
Any advice?
Re: Children missing someone
How old are they?
Re: Children missing someone
The two who express missing "aunty" the most, are 5 and 4.
Re: Children missing someone
Was it a genuine reason for change ? Most kids I have seen get attached to their caregiver and if their caregivers are changed continuously they do have issues with attachment.
Kids are pretty good at understanding if it is a one off thing. Most kids at that age think it is their fault that the caregiver left them (especially if they are attached to her)
Re: Children missing someone
The original caregiver was part-time and constantly called in sick. My sister needed full-time help and someone more reliable, hence the change.
My sister has been trying to explain that the aunty had to away somewhere because her own kids needed her and that it's not their fault, but the kids are obviously not pacified with this answer and want to know when she's coming back. It's trying to explain the finality of her leaving that's tough.
Re: Children missing someone
What if you just tell them that she's sick and she can't look after them anymore. Tell them that she loves them a lot, but she needs to get better and it is going to take a long time and we don't want them getting sick too.
Were there other kids there too that they bonded with? If so, is it possible to call those parents and set up play dates with those kids directly?
What exactly is it that they miss about this aunty? Was she loving and affectionate? Did they make friends with the other kids? (if yes, then see my suggestion above)
How is the new caregiver? Is she loving and affectionate with them? Are there other kids there?