Understanding Separation Anxiety in Young Children

Separation anxiety — the distress a child shows when a parent leaves — is one of the most common concerns raised in early childhood, and one of the most normal.

Why it happens

It typically emerges around 8–18 months and can resurface at other transition points, like starting daycare or school. It reflects a healthy attachment, not a problem with your child or your parenting — your child has learned you matter, and hasn't yet developed the sense that you'll reliably return.

What tends to help

• Short, calm goodbyes — lingering or sneaking away both tend to increase distress.
• A consistent goodbye routine or phrase your child can predict.
• Practising brief separations in low-stakes settings before a bigger transition.

When it's worth a conversation

Most separation anxiety eases within a few weeks of a new routine. If distress is intense, doesn't improve over time, or is affecting sleep, eating, or daily functioning well beyond the transition period, it's worth discussing with a child psychologist — early, practical support usually resolves it quickly.