Separation anxiety is a big issue for many new parents, and it’s a very common problem. It usually develops when a child reaches around 8-12 months of age. Typical symptoms include a child becoming upset, fearful, and even hysterical when left with someone else.

Separation anxiety can be induced by the departure of one specific person, or the child may get attached to a different person every week, always choosing somebody new from whom they fear separation.

Separation anxiety can be just as upsetting and frustrating to parents as it is to the child. Nothing can be more disconcerting and exhausting than having to be constantly within sight of your child, or risk him becoming distraught should you leave him for any period of time.

Often a child who suffers from separation anxiety may actually need to be constantly in physical contact with you. This can often make it difficult to do even the most mundane of tasks. So it can impact your ability to do the cooking, cleaning, and go about your daily business. If you have to work each day then leaving for work can be difficult. Even if you need some downtime for yourself after work, you may have a nightmare of tantrums.

Parents should understand that a child’s separation anxiety is a normal part of their development. It is not caused by parents being overly involved or neglectful in their child’s life. Although not every child experiences this or the extent of the separation anxiety will vary, it is a normal part of your child growing up.

Try to set aside a specific time each day to work on the issue of separation anxiety. Perhaps after dinner each night you can tell your child that you are going out but will return shortly. Enter the house again in another five minutes or so, pretending that your child is not experiencing the same separation anxiety issues that may have been sparked by your initial departure. Be seated and busy yourself with reading, watching television or whatever activity you’re used to and allow your child to approach you. When that happens, behave normally as if nothing transpired earlier and continue your normal routine. If you practice this consistently, your child will come to realize that you will always return eventually, and his separation anxiety should subside.

You can help your child better deal with separation anxiety by slightly, but consistently distancing yourself more frequently. If your child throws a tantrum every morning before work, try applying a regular routine and sticking to it, as opposed to battling against your child’s fear.