top of page
Image by 🇸🇮 Janko Ferlič

Separation Anxiety

Part of normal development from about 7 months to 6 years

Nightmares with a separation theme

Headaches or stomach aches

Can't lose sight of his parent

Culminates around 10-18 months and usually ends around 3 years

Factors associated with persistent separation anxiety

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Impaired functioning associated with ADHD symptoms

Mothers dissatisfied with their marriage

Separation situations

Can be anxiety-provoking and/or avoided

Being alone in the house or in a room

Parent's delay

Bedtime

Going to school

Getting babysat

Sleep over at a friend's house, go on a school trip

Strategies that can be used by the child

Follow the parent

Transitional object (cuddly toy)

Distraction

School refusal

bottom of page