What is separation anxiety?


Literally speaking, separation anxiety is a child's fear evoked when separated from the main caregiver. The only way you can ensure your child doesn't suffer anxiety of this nature will be to make sure you are never away from her or him for however long or brief the time. Realistically speaking, that will mean being glued to the child which is just not possible.



The good news is, every toddler wants to experience independence. Separation anxiety can begin as early as six months in some children and seems to coincide with the time the child becomes aware of strangers. For some children, they stay free from this problem for a good period of time only to be visited by it later. Some children face SA which is quite short-lived while others deal with longer bouts that seem to wax and wane, disappear only to resurface some years later. Some children react very intensely and exhibit their feelings openly while others internalize. Now that doesn't mean these kids don't have such issues - it is just that the anxious feeling is simmering inside. Generally toddlers prefer predictability to separation. Even going to a familiar place such as to their grandparents' home for the night can get your kid very upset although he has been there many times. The separation from you is what sets him off, no matter how much fun has been promised.