One of the most popular characteristics of human beings, especially children, is separation anxiety. It is an overwhelming fear or dread when someone is separated from someone to whom they are attached, typically a parent or a caregiver. This can be a very challenging and stressful time for both people experiencing anxiety and those who care about them.
Attachment to an individual or location is heavily associated with separation anxiety. For kids, in particular, the intense attachment to a parent or caregiver is the center of their emotional world, and for most, being without that person triggers feelings of fear, worry and even outright terror. This can be especially challenging for young kids who are beginning to discover the world around them and gain some freedom.
Another trigger for separation anxiety can also be a traumatic and/or unfortunate event, such as moving to a new house, the replacement of a caregiver or the death of a loved one. Such situations can be very distressing for a child and may result in feelings of insecurity and fear.
The child’s character or personality can also trigger separation anxiety. Some kids are just more sensitive or anxious than others and more vulnerable to experiencing separation anxiety.
Symptoms of separation anxiety may include crying, clinging, or the inability to part with a parent or caregiver, and physical symptoms such as stomachaches or headaches. Symptoms such as these can be very upsetting for the child and their family, and it’s crucial to deal with them sympathetically.
One of the best ways to support a youngster is to give them assurances about their comfort and safety. It can include establishing a schedule or routine that makes the child feel as though they are in charge or giving them a special item (such as a toy) that they can carry to help them feel connected when they miss their loved one.
You also need to allow a child to talk about their feelings and validate their emotions. By listening to them and assisting them in learning healthy ways to cope with anxiety, parents and caregivers can help their child overcome their separation anxiety and build up some independence and self-confidence.
If your child or someone you know is suffering from separation anxiety, Arbor Wellness provides caring assistance and treatment possibilities. We know what it is like to have this condition and our group is committed to supporting and providing guidance on how we can all work through it.
In the end, we have to remember that separation anxiety is pretty natural and normal for a lot of people… especially children. If we can get to the bottom of why kids feel separation anxiety and offer love and support, we can alleviate this problem and give children the tools to succeed.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Separation_anxiety_disorder
https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=separation-anxiety-disorder-in-children-90-P02582
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sep-anxiety.html
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/Pages/Soothing-Your-Childs-Separation-Anxiety.aspx
https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-care/managing-child-separation-anxiety
https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions/separation-anxiety-disorder
https://childmind.org/article/separation-issues-in-young-children/
https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/about-child-trauma
https://www.helpguide.org/family/parenting/attachment-issues-in-children
https://www.cnbc.com/2023/03/04/parenting-experts-signs-your-kid-has-a-highly-sensitive-brain-why-neuroscientists-says-its-an-advantage.html
https://www.parents.com/kids/development/behavioral/emotionally-sensitive-children/
https://www.cdc.gov/parenting-toddlers/communication/active-listening.html
