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(Unit 3) Topic 6: Easing Separation Anxiety

1 Clock Hour of Early Childhood Education

What is Separation Anxiety?

Topic 6 Page 2

Separation anxiety occurs when a child is away from their primary caregiver and it is a normal part of a child's development. This can occur at any point in a child’s life, but typically begins around 8 months of age. At this time, children are aware of their surroundings and develop a sense of security and comfort in their homes and with their parents or guardians.

People, places, and things that are constant in their lives begin to be expected and desired. When something out of the ordinary is thrown into the mix, such as a new babysitter, children feel uneasy and exhibit signs of separation anxiety. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s source on separation anxiety, this occurs most frequently during 8 to 14 months of age.

Typically when a child is around 2 years old, when they are surrounded by familiar faces and situations, separation anxiety comes to a near end. It can still occur when a new caregiver or situation is present and is completely normal and expected. This most commonly occurs when children are experiencing some kind of distress such as an illness or long separation from a caregiver. It is important to note that separation anxiety is different than the normal act of not wanting a parent or caregiver to leave.