Having a new baby can be a nerve wracking experience in and of itself. It is normal to be anxious about leaving your precious little one for the first time, whether it is a quick trip to the grocery store or your first full day back at work. Usually, as time passes and you adjust to your new routine, you become more comfortable with being away from your child. But what happens if -- six months, a year, or even two years later -- you still feel just as anxious as your first day? Here are some tips and tools to help you adjust as a working parent.

There are many parents who suffer from separation anxiety when apart from their child, and this can happen at different ages in the child. It is common to feel anxious as you leave your new baby in the care of someone else, especially at first. Take comfort knowing that many mothers and fathers are experiencing the same emotions and that this is completely normal. Understanding that you are in a large group of anxious parents everywhere may help to ease some of the negative feelings you’re experiencing.

Having separation anxiety may cause problems in some of your relationships, including relationships with your most trusted caregivers, such as your parents, your child’s nanny or care center, your spouse, etc. It can also make focusing at work extremely difficult, creating issues with your coworkers and boss. To help your relationships, it’s important to be honest about what you are going through. Start by sitting each person down and telling them how you feel. Communicate about your feelings and how difficult it is for you to leave your child. Assure the persona that it’s not him or her personally that you are uncomfortable with, and explain your feelings are about being separated from your child. This will help the person to better understand your position and can start a dialogue that will lead to better communication and understanding going forward.

There are things you can do to help make your time away from your child a little easier. Here are some suggestions to help you manage your separation anxiety:

• Look behind the guilt. Feeling guilty about leaving your baby with someone other than yourself is common and it’s okay. Your bond with your child will grow even stronger each time you reunite.
• Allow yourself to feel anxious. You already know how hard it is when you are separated. Don’t deny your feelings because without being honest with yourself, coping will be even more difficult.
• Find things that will make you feel a little better, even if it means you have to call and check up on your little one throughout the day.
• Distract yourself. Distraction is a valuable tool that can alleviate some of your anxiety. Get immersed in a work project, take a break at lunch to do something you enjoy, read, listen to music or anything you can think of to get your mind off of your anxious feelings.
• Be confident in your caregiver. It’s very important to feel comfortable with the person you are leaving your child with, whether it’s a family member, a center or other child care provider such as a nanny, family day care home, etc.
• Keep pictures on your desk at work, in your wallet or on your phone to make you smile every time you are missing your child’s cute little face.

If you are still having trouble coping with your anxious feelings, consider reaching out to a professional such as a counselor. Do not be afraid to ask for a little help.

Having a good support system is important when you are feeling anxious and down. Having someone you can call that understands how you feel, or is there to listen, is very beneficial.

There are also online support groups for parents suffering from separation anxiety. For some parents, talking to someone who is struggling with the same thing can be helpful. You can benefit from their experiences and they might be able to share successful tips on what makes them feel better. The feelings and benefits of camaraderie as you connect with your support system will help you to find what works for you when it comes to relieving your anxiety.