As soon as a baby is born they begin a connection with the person holding them, and generally it is the mother. As they progress to the four to five month stages they begin to be able to distinguish the difference between mom and dad. At this point they are grateful for their continual needs being met. If anything, it is more challenging for the parents to leave their child.
As the months progress on the child begins to look to both parents for that sense of security, and become wary of new people and new situations. This is perfectly natural and healthy for the child to experience.
Each child’s personalities are different, and some children have a greater degree of difficulty separating from their parents. Even when there are no situations or strangers the child will follow the parents around. Always underfoot, and most likely the parent is tripping over them! If they believe that the parent is leaving a place without them they will wrap themselves around your leg, hold on for dear life, and scream as if their lives depended on it.
How to begin to move past this? It is important to encourage their independence. Equally valuable is giving them clear, firm guidance, encouraging them to do things for themselves, and than appropriate praise when it happens.
If the time arrives that the parents will have to use a different caretaker, in a foreign setting, take them their beforehand to get them acquainted with that person and the surroundings. The child will feel much more secure with being familiar than being dropped off somewhere they have never been before. If they are age appropriate talk to them prior to the visit. Prepare them, explain to them, and it won’t come as a complete surprise.
When it is time to go, be sure not to be uncertain, hesitant or apprehensive. If the child feels that it is a matter of your choice to stay or go, they will fuss until they are able to change your mind if they feel that is open as an option.