Helping Your Baby Feel Secure —Through Every Goodbye

May 13, 2025

Topics:

Infant

Understanding your infant’s need for connection—and how to support it

As a parent of an infant, you’ve probably experienced that heart-wrenching moment: you try to leave the room—or drop your baby off with a caregiver—and suddenly, tears. Big ones. Outstretched arms. That panicked look. You wonder, Did I do something wrong? Is my baby okay?

If this sounds familiar, take a deep breath: your baby may be going through separation anxiety. It’s one of the most common developmental stages in infancy—and while it’s challenging, it’s also a sign that your baby is growing in exactly the right way.

What Is Separation Anxiety in Infants?

Separation anxiety typically begins between 6 to 9 months of age, though it can start a little earlier or later. It happens when your baby begins to understand that people still exist even when they’re not in sight (hello, object permanence!). That’s a huge developmental step—but it also brings with it a new worry: What if the person I love doesn’t come back?

Suddenly, even a short goodbye can feel like a big deal.

Signs Your Baby May Be Experiencing Separation Anxiety

Crying when you leave the room
Reaching out or clinging to you at drop-off
Becoming upset in new environments or with unfamiliar people
Waking more often at night, needing comfort

None of these are signs of a problem—they’re simply how your baby is learning to express a need for safety and connection.

Ways to Support Your Baby Through This Stage

1. Practice short, predictable separations

Start small. Leave the room for a few minutes, then come back with a smile. This helps your baby build trust that you always return.

2. Create a simple goodbye ritual

Something like a hug, kiss, and “See you soon!” gives your baby something steady and reassuring to hold onto.

3. Be calm and consistent

Babies pick up on your cues. If you’re confident and loving during goodbyes, your baby learns that everything is okay—even when you’re not right there.

4. Narrate your coming and going

Use your voice to reassure your baby: “Mommy’s going to get your lunch ready and will be right back.” Even if they don’t understand every word, the tone and rhythm of your speech is comforting.

5. Build relationships with trusted caregivers

Whether it's a family member, teacher, or babysitter, helping your baby bond with others builds a wider circle of safety and trust.

You're Doing Better Than You Think

It’s tough to leave when your baby is crying for you. And it’s okay to feel a mix of emotions about that. But separation anxiety isn’t a sign you’ve done anything wrong—it’s a sign your baby knows they are loved and safe with you.

This stage won’t last forever. In time, your baby will learn that every goodbye is followed by a joyful return—and that trust will shape their sense of security for years to come.

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Published: January 29, 2026

Today, following someone is easy. You follow a YouTuber because their videos are interesting. You follow someone on Instagram or Facebook because you want to see what they post. And if their content changes—or stops feeling useful—you can unfollow without much thought. Following, in our culture, usually means: I’ll pay attention to you—as long as it works for me. But when Jesus invites people to follow him, he means something fundamentally different from following someone online. As described in the Gospel of Matthew 4:19, when Jesus called his first disciples, Simon Peter and Andrew, with the simple yet profound invitation, 'Follow me,' it was a call to a transformative journey. This invitation implied dedicating one's life to a new path, reshaping beliefs, priorities, and actions in alignment with his teachings. Following on Our Terms When we follow someone online, we stay in control. We decide: when to engage, how closely to listen, and when to walk away. Even when we deeply admire someone, following them still happens on our terms. We take what we like, scroll past what we don’t, and move on when it becomes uncomfortable. That’s not a criticism—it’s just how modern life works. But Jesus never framed following him that way. Jesus Doesn’t Ask for Attention — He Asks for Direction When Jesus said, “Follow me,” he wasn’t asking people to watch from a distance. He was inviting them into a new way of living that would reshape how they saw the world, treated others, and understood themselves. Try integrating this into your daily life by starting with one small act of compassion, such as helping a neighbor or showing kindness to a stranger. This simple practice can begin to transform perspectives and actions in alignment with his teachings. Following Jesus meant: rethinking who matters, redefining what power looks like, and choosing love even when it comes at a cost. It wasn’t about agreeing with every idea in advance. It was about stepping into a life shaped by compassion, courage, and a sense of responsibility for one another. When Following Becomes Costly This distinct approach affects real-life decisions, especially when following Jesus leads into uncomfortable or risky places. A recent example comes from pastors and faith leaders across the United States who spoke out against a proposed federal policy that would allow immigration enforcement actions in churches and other sacred spaces. These leaders publicly opposed the policy, not because it was popular or safe, but because they believed it violated something essential about human dignity and sacred hospitality. According to reporting by United Methodist News , These pastors stood together across communities and traditions to say that faith is not just private belief—it shapes how we protect the vulnerable and how we respond when fear is used as a tool of power. For them, following Jesus meant showing up, speaking out, and accepting backlash—because silence would contradict the love they preach. That kind of following doesn’t come with an “unfollow” button. How Can a Church Support One Another When Following Jesus Feels Risky? At Berwyn United Methodist Church, we believe that following Jesus was never meant to be a solo journey. We warmly invite you to join us at our Sunday service, held at 10 AM each week, where you can connect with others who are on the same journey. And consider participating in our community events, such as our monthly potluck dinner, where everyone is welcome to enjoy food and fellowship. Jesus gathered people into community not for uniformity of thought, but so they could support each other when the path became difficult. When faith leads us into challenges or risky acts of public love, the church offers grounding, encouragement, and shared courage. We support one another by: Making room for honest conversation. Questions, doubts, and disagreements are not signs of weak faith—they are part of growth. We strive to be a community where people can speak honestly and be met with curiosity rather than judgment. Showing up for one another. When someone feels called to act in love or speak out for justice, they shouldn’t have to do it alone. We stand with one another—through encouragement, presence, and prayer. Listening together before acting. We take time to reflect, pray, and discern as a community, trusting that faithful action is shaped by listening to God and to one another. Extending grace as we grow. Not everyone is in the same place, and that’s okay. Supporting one another means honoring different journeys while remaining rooted in love. In times of discomfort, we look to our community—grounded in grace, guided by compassion, and committed to loving our neighbors in real and tangible ways. 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We are talking about something else entirely—a way of life. We’re talking about a way of life. A life where love has consequences. Where faith shows up in public, not just in private. Where following means being willing to be changed. Following Jesus is more demanding than simply paying attention online. Its deeper meaning—true transformation—sets the direction for every part of life: public, private, and relational. If these ideas raise questions, spark curiosity, or even create some discomfort, you’re not alone. Faith grows through conversation, reflection, and shared listening. The church is not a gathering of people who have everything figured out. It is a place where people are allowed to try, to grow, to fail, and to be helped back up so they can try again. Whether you are exploring, questioning, or simply wondering what following Jesus might look like in your own life, know that you don’t have to walk the path alone. You are always welcome to engage, ask, and reflect alongside others at your own pace. Additionally, we invite you to reach out personally by contacting a pastor or joining one of our conversation groups. These personal connections can provide reassurance and community for those who feel hesitant or alone. Together, we can discover the courage, love, and hope that come from truly following and supporting one another as we live out this journey in a changing world.

What To Look For In A Quality Childcare Program?

Published: December 11, 2025

Finding the right childcare program is one of the most important decisions a family can make. Whether you’re preparing for your child’s very first day of care or considering a change, the search can feel overwhelming. What questions should you ask? What should you really be looking for? The good news: high-quality childcare programs share several key characteristics that you can spot with a discerning eye. Here’s a clear, parent-friendly guide to help you evaluate any program with confidence. 1. Warm, Responsive Relationships The heart of early childhood education is the relationship between teachers and children. During your visit, look for: Teachers who kneel to meet children at eye level Gentle tones, smiles, and encouragement Adults who genuinely seem to enjoy children Research shows that strong relationships build the foundation for learning, emotional development, and security. If the staff seems rushed or disengaged—or if high turnover is mentioned often—that’s a red flag. 2. A Safe, Clean, and Purposeful Environment A high-quality program balances safety with a sense of exploration. Look for: Cleanliness and well-maintained classrooms Secure entrances and clear safety procedures Organized spaces with defined learning areas (dramatic play, blocks, art, sensory, quiet spaces) Child-sized furniture and materials If you feel at ease walking through the building, that’s a strong indicator your child will feel at ease too. 3. Play-Based, Developmentally Appropriate Learning Young children learn best through purposeful play. Quality programs offer: Hands-on activities Opportunities for creativity and inquiry Outdoor exploration Teachers who guide learning instead of directing it Avoid programs that rely heavily on worksheets or long periods of sitting—those approaches aren’t aligned with early childhood best practices. 4. Experienced, Well-Trained Educators The educators make the difference. Ask about: Teacher qualifications Ongoing professional development Years of experience in early childhood settings High-quality programs invest in their educators because strong teaching leads to strong outcomes. 5. Clear Communication and Family Partnership You should never feel in the dark about your child’s day. Quality programs provide: Daily communication (app, email, or written notes) Opportunities for parent-teacher conversations A genuine openness to questions and concerns Family engagement events and community-building If communication feels warm, transparent, and consistent, you’ve likely found a program that values partnership. 6. A Philosophy You Believe In Every program has a worldview that shapes how children are cared for and taught. Ask about: Their vision for child development How they support social-emotional learning Approaches to discipline, conflict resolution, and inclusion How they nurture curiosity and independence The best fit is a program whose philosophy matches your hopes for your child. 7. Trusting Your Instincts You know your child better than anyone. As you tour: Do you feel welcomed? Do children seem happy and engaged? Can you picture your child thriving here? Your instincts matter. If something feels off, explore more options. If something feels right, lean into that. Final Thoughts Choosing a childcare center is choosing a partner in your child’s growth. Look for warmth, intentionality, communication, and a place where children are known and celebrated. A quality program doesn’t just watch your child—it nurtures them, inspires them, and helps them flourish. And at BELA, that’s exactly what we strive to do every single day.Your child deserves a nurturing, high-quality learning environment—and BELA is ready to provide it. If you’re exploring childcare options, now is the perfect time to connect with our team, tour our beautiful campus, and learn how our programs can support your child’s growth from infancy through Pre-K. Click below to schedule a visit and take the next step toward joining the BELA community.

Helping Your Baby Feel Secure —Through Every Goodbye