5 Signs Your Child Has Separation Anxiety And What to Do

Posted on 3/23/2023, 10:17:00 AM

Separation anxiety is a common anxiety disorder in young children. It is characterized by a fear of being separated from their parents or caregivers. Separation anxiety can be mild or severe, and it can last for a few weeks or several months.

There are a number of things that can trigger separation anxiety, including:

• Starting daycare or preschool
• Moving to a new home
• Having a new baby in the family
• A parent or caregiver going away on a trip

If you think your child might have separation anxiety, there are a few things you can do to help:

• Talk to your child about what is happening. Explain that it is normal to feel a little sad when you are away from your parents, but that you will always come back.
• Be patient and understanding. Separation anxiety can be a difficult thing for children to deal with, so it is important to be patient and understanding.
• Offer reassurance. Let your child know that you love them and that you will always be there for them.
• Make sure your child has a secure attachment. A secure attachment is important for children to feel safe and secure. Make sure you spend time with your child and that you are emotionally available to them.
• Seek professional help. If your child's separation anxiety is severe or if it is not improving, you may want to seek professional help. A therapist can help your child develop coping mechanisms and learn how to deal with separation anxiety.

Here are 5 signs your child has separation anxiety:

1. Becoming clingy and unwilling to leave your side. Your child may follow you around the house or refuse to let you go even when you need to leave.
2. Having trouble sleeping or eating. Your child may have trouble sleeping or eating when you are not around.
3. Crying or becoming upset when you leave. Your child may cry or become upset when you leave, even if you are only going to be gone for a short period of time.
4. Having trouble being alone. Your child may have trouble being alone, even for short periods of time.
5. Refusing to go to school or daycare. Your child may refuse to go to school or daycare, even if they have always loved going.

If you are concerned that your child has separation anxiety, it is important to talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. They can help you to assess the situation and develop a plan to help your child.

Here are some additional tips to help your child with separation anxiety:

• Create a routine. A routine can help your child to feel more secure and in control. Make sure you have a set bedtime, mealtime, and playtime for your child. This will help them to know what to expect and when to expect it.
• Be consistent. It is important to be consistent with your child's expectations. If you say you are going to do something, make sure you follow through. This will help your child to trust you and to feel more secure.
• Be patient. It takes time for children to learn how to cope with separation anxiety. Be patient with your child and give them time to adjust.
• Offer reassurance. Let your child know that you are there for them and that you love them. This will help them to feel safe and secure.

Here are some things to avoid when dealing with a child with separation anxiety:

• Punishing your child. Punishing your child will only make them feel worse and will make the situation worse.
• Making promises you can't keep. If you promise your child something, make sure you can keep it. This will help your child to trust you.
• Being overprotective. Being overprotective will only make your child more anxious. It is important to let your child have some independence.
• Not seeking professional help. If your child's separation anxiety is severe or if it is not improving, you may want to seek professional help. A therapist can help your child develop coping mechanisms and learn how to deal with separation anxiety.

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