Leaving the room out loud

Somewhere in these months the start of separation anxiety arrives, and the wanting underneath it is a sign of their attachment to you — their first and greatest love. So this is not practice at being without you. It is your voice carrying on from the next room, and a return that comes before it has to be asked for. If the crying starts, the activity is over and you go back; there is nothing here worth waiting out.

🛡️ You are walking out of the room, so the spot has to hold on its own for the seconds you are gone. Clear the floor of cords, cables, small objects, plastic bags and anything that can be pulled down on top of them; nothing on castors in reach; bookcases, drawer units and TV stands anchored to the wall; stair gates shut. Never a bed, a sofa, a changing table or a high chair — a raised surface is not somewhere to walk away from, not even for two seconds. Stay in the next room and within earshot the whole time, and never stretch the trip because the last one went well.