Brief separation and warm reunion
Parent steps out of the room for a short, predictable moment, then returns with a warm greeting. Agent coaches the parent to make the goodbye clear and the reunion joyful, building the child's working model of 'caregivers come back'. Observations track baby's response to the brief absence and parent's reunion energy.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Have another trusted caregiver present, or make sure your child is safe and content in a play area where you can see them from the doorway. Keep the separation very short — 10 to 20 seconds for a first try.
How it works
- 1~5s
Before you step out, look at them, smile, and say something clear. 'Mama back soon.' Or 'I'll be right back.' Something you'll say every time. Don't sneak out.
Watch for: parent_narrates_departure_with_reassurance
- 2~20s
Now step out. Stay within earshot but out of sight for 10 to 20 seconds. Don't stretch it. This is about coming back more than about going away.
Watch for: baby_response_to_brief_caregiver_absence
- 3~30s
Come back. Big warm greeting. 'Hi, my love! I'm back! I missed you!' Come close. Let them see your face, feel your hands.
Watch for: dyad_reconnects_and_settles_on_reunion