{"id":7771,"date":"2016-04-15T05:45:02","date_gmt":"2016-04-15T05:45:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=7771"},"modified":"2023-06-29T09:40:00","modified_gmt":"2023-06-29T09:40:00","slug":"a-practical-guide-on-separation-anxiety-in-children","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/parenting\/a-practical-guide-on-separation-anxiety-in-children\/","title":{"rendered":"Separation Anxiety in Children: 10 Useful Tips to Cope"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\"Guide<\/p>\n

The mother of 9-month-old Elizabeth is concerned—she used to be able to leave baby Elizabeth with the babysitter no problem, but lately, when she hands Elizabeth over, the baby just cries and cries.<\/span><\/p>\n

At home, things seem a little odd as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lately, when she puts Elizabeth in her high chair and gives her snacks, and then leaves the room to get something, Elizabeth cries and cries until she comes back.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Elizabeth is experiencing is classic separation anxiety that happens often in toddlerhood. <\/span><\/p>\n

Classic separation anxiety in babies is when a baby or child cries or has a tantrum when their parent leaves their sight.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is to attempt to get the parent back into their presence again. Sometimes children even have anxiety at the mere thought of leaving their parents and may cry for a while after they are gone.<\/span><\/p>\n

While this is totally normal, and children usually outgrow it, sometimes they don’t and the feelings intensify.<\/span><\/p>\n

Let’s read more about separation anxiety in children.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>What is separation anxiety disorder in children?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

According to WebMD, <\/span>Separation anxiety disorder<\/span><\/a> (SAD) is a condition in which a child becomes fearful and nervous when away from home or separated from a loved one — usually a parent or other caregiver — to whom the child is attached.<\/span><\/p>\n

It also mentions that it is very typical for babies 8-14 months old to have some level of separation anxiety or clinginess, and other sources say that for small children 18 months to nearly 3 years old, separation anxiety is quite typical as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sometimes, even older children experience some form of separation anxiety for a time, though it’s less typical than with babies. Less common still are children who have crossed from separation anxiety into a disorder.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is discovered that around 4%-5% of children between the ages of 7 and 11 in the United States experience separation anxiety. This condition is less prevalent among teenagers, with approximately 1.3% of American teens being affected. Both boys and girls are equally susceptible to its effects.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>What causes children to develop separation anxiety?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

What causes separation anxiety in children?<\/span><\/p>\n

While it makes sense that babies have separation due to brain development, what about children? How common is separation anxiety in children?<\/span><\/p>\n

Some older children who have childhood separation anxiety seem to always have had some degree of separation anxiety, and some go for a period without issues but then develop it again, usually around age 7 or so. Why is that?<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Causes<\/p>\n

Typically this happens because of a new situation.<\/b><\/p>\n

It could be due to starting school, or it could be because they have recently moved and worry that they will get left behind somewhere. There could be other sources of worry, such as a new daycare provider, or even a new sibling in the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

All the newness shakes up the child’s whole world, making them cling to what helps give them the most comfort.<\/b><\/p>\n

Children thrive on predictability, and when that predictability is threatened, they react by doing what makes them feel most safe.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Still, there could be another reason and the older child is more clingy lately. Separation anxiety in older children comes with its own unique challenges. <\/span><\/p>\n

If there is a large degree of<\/span> family<\/span><\/a> stress or a traumatic event that has caused the child to question their safety, that could cause the child to seek the safety of being with a parent as much as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n

Perhaps they have had a recent hospital stay, gotten lost at the mall, or experienced a death in the family. Children may react by displaying symptoms of separation anxiety.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>5 symptoms of separation anxiety in children <\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

Separation anxiety in children can manifest through various symptoms that reflect their distress and discomfort when separated from their primary caregivers or familiar environments. <\/span><\/p>\n

Here are 5 common separation anxiety symptoms:<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Dealing<\/p>\n

Excessive distress<\/b><\/h3>\n

Children who face anxiety due to separation may exhibit excessive distress when faced with such situations. They may become inconsolable, cry uncontrollably, or display intense physical reactions such as trembling or sweating. These reactions often occur in anticipation of separation or during the actual separation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Clinging behavior<\/b><\/h3>\n

This is often seen as part of toddler separation anxiety. <\/span><\/p>\n

Children experiencing separation anxiety tend to exhibit clinginess toward their caregivers. They may constantly seek physical proximity, refusing to be left alone. They may become excessively attached to a specific person and become reluctant to participate in activities that involve separation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fear of harm<\/b><\/h3>\n

Children with separation anxiety often have an intense fear that something bad will happen to their loved ones or themselves during separation. They may worry about accidents, illnesses, or other negative events and express a strong desire to remain constantly connected to their caregivers for safety and reassurance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reluctance to attend school or social events<\/b><\/h3>\n

Separation anxiety in children can lead to an aversion to attending school, daycare, or social events where separation from caregivers is required. Children may express resistance, complain of physical discomfort, or display avoidance behaviors to escape the separation situation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Physical symptoms<\/b><\/h3>\n

Separation anxiety can also manifest in physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, nausea, or even vomiting. These symptoms may be stress-induced and tend to alleviate or disappear when the child is reunited with their caregiver.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED READING : <\/span>Helping your Kid with Anxiety<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n

\"When<\/p>\n

<\/span>How to cope with separation anxiety in children: 10 useful tips<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

Or how to deal with separation anxiety in children<\/span><\/p>\n

Little Ben has had a big year. He’s switched to a toddler bed and has even begun potty training.<\/span><\/p>\n

Many times at night, Ben cries and jumps out of bed, and runs to his parents’ room, wanting to get into bed with them.<\/span><\/p>\n

The<\/span> American Academy of Pediatrics<\/span><\/a> said while parents may view this behavior as simply being disobedient, in fact, it’s a normal stay of development in the child.<\/span><\/p>\n

So, how can you deal with separation anxiety?<\/span><\/p>\n

On the subject of dealing with separation anxiety, the organization advises parents to keep being firm, but loving.<\/span><\/p>\n

A definite answer to the question, “How to deal with separation anxiety in toddlers or children of any age” is -reassurance is key.<\/span><\/p>\n

Your child needs to know that you aren’t going anywhere.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are going to be gone for some reason, explain that to your child, and reassure them that you will return. <\/span>
<\/span>
<\/span>Here are 11 strategies to help ease separation anxiety in children:<\/b><\/p>\n