Separation Anxiety: What is Normal and When to get help?  

Separation Anxiety: What is Normal and When to get help?  

Jeanette Loftus

Most younger children tend to feel anxiety when they leave their parents to go to daycare or with a relative for the night, that's normal. They're simply not used to being away from their parents so it is an adjustment, however, when they get older and they are still really struggling, it could be separation anxiety. 

Often times, children will miss events or even days at school by pretending to be sick, in order to stay home with their parent(s). In addition, it is common for these children to be afraid of being in a different room than their parent(s) or sleeping alone in their bed without them. 

Most younger children tend to feel anxiety when they leave their parents to go to daycare or with a relative, that's normal. They're not used to being away from their parents so it is an adjustment, when they get older and they are still really struggling, it could be separation anxiety. 

Childhood separation anxiety disorder affects many young children. It is caused by fear when a child is separated from their parent or in a familiar environment. Separation anxiety is a normal part of development with children and parents often notice it when their child starts school or daycare for the first time. When the child's anxiety becomes excessive, it can be classified as separation anxiety disorder.

Separation anxiety disorder is a type of childhood anxiety disorder that is more common in girls than boys and can persist into adolescence. Children with separation anxiety disorder may experience fear or worry when separated from their parent. They may become extremely clingy or may refuse to go to school or want to attend any activities without their parent.

Early diagnosis and treatment for separation anxiety disorder is extremely important when helping children manage their symptoms. When treating separation anxiety, cognitive behavioral therapy is often used because it teaches children how to change their anxious thoughts and replace them with positive thoughts.