UNDERSTANDING SEPARATION ANXIETY

Separation anxiety is a normal stage in early development - but that doesn't make it easy. Here's how to recognise it, respond with love and help your child feel secure.

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It's a familiar scene for many parents - you're about to leave for work, school drop-off or even just to the next room and your child clings to your leg, bursts into tears or refuses to let go. While it can be heartbreaking and exhausting in equal measure, this strong emotional response is often a sign of something very normal - separation anxiety.

Separation anxiety is a healthy part of development, showing that your little one is forming strong attachments and learning about independence. That said, it can still be tough to manage - especially if you're juggling work, siblings or just trying to leave the house on time. Just know that with a bit of understanding and a lot of reassurance, you can support your child through this phase with confidence and compassion.

WHAT IS IT?

Separation anxiety is the distress some children feel when they're apart from their parent or primary caregiver. It often begins around six to nine months of age, peaks in toddlerhood and gradually becomes less intense as children grow older and gain more confidence in the world around them.

At its core, separation anxiety is linked to your child's growing awareness. Babies and toddlers are still learning that people and objects exist even when they're not in sight (a developmental concept known as object permanence). Until they fully grasp that you'll come back, being apart can feel very unsettling.

It's also worth noting that separation anxiety doesn't always follow a predictable path. Some children show strong signs early on, while others breeze through babyhood and develop it later - often during big life changes like starting nursery, moving house or welcoming a new sibling.

SIGNS TO LOOK OUT FOR