Signs of Separation Anxiety in Children
It’s not uncommon for children to want to be with their parents or caregivers all of the time.
If you’ve ever seen a child dropped off at daycare or school, they might not want to let go or get out of the car. Or, they might want you to come back for just one more hug.
But, there’s a difference between the normal desire to stay with a caregiver and separation anxiety.
Separation anxiety in children is an extreme fear your child exhibits when they have to be apart from you. It can be heartbreaking to witness and difficult to understand.
So, what are some of the common signs of separation anxiety in children?
What Causes Separation Anxiety?
Before looking at the signs and symptoms, it’s important to look at what your child might have experienced throughout their short life. Several factors can contribute to this type of anxiety — many of which can occur at a very young age.
A traumatic experience can contribute to separation anxiety.
That includes a divorce, an illness, or even the death of a close family member.
These types of experiences can cause your child to feel as though they’ve lost something important, so they want to hold on tighter to what they do have.
Anxiety can also be inherited.
If you or your partner struggles with it, your child might be more susceptible to it.
You can help them from an early age by being a healthy role model when it comes to your mental health and by validating them in their emotions.
Sleep Problems
One of the most notable issues you’re likely to see if your child has separation anxiety is difficulty sleeping. While kids experience nightmares on occasion, it’s far more common in children who are dealing with separation anxiety.
Their constant nightmares are often very vivid and are usually about people they love or specific situations in which those people aren’t there.
Your child might also not want to sleep alone at night.
This can be because of the nightmares, or their anxiety might cause them to think that you won’t be there when they wake up.
Extreme Worry
When your child is awake, the fear of being left alone doesn’t subside when they have separation anxiety. They might consistently express fears and doubts about you leaving them or them being scared of losing you.
This fear can be expressed in different ways, especially if your child feels like they aren’t being heard or understood.
It’s not uncommon for children with separation anxiety to have temper tantrums.
They might be having a hard time understanding how to process and express their emotions.
Physical Symptoms
Separation anxiety is a mental health condition. But, it can be so extreme for some children that it manifests itself through physical issues.
Children can experience headaches or stomachaches as a result of their anxiety.
Obviously, other things can cause these symptoms as well.
But, if you notice your child starting to complain about aches and pains or feeling sick all of the time, don’t count out anxiety.
Child Therapy for Anxiety
No parent wants to see their child held back by fear or constant worry. At SoCal Child Psychology in La Jolla, we offer child therapy for anxiety that helps kids across San Diego feel safer, calmer, and more confident.
Through play-based strategies and proven therapies, we teach children practical coping skills they can use at school, at home, and with friends. Parents are also included in the process, so you’ll have tools to support your child along the way.
Contact us today to learn more about anxiety therapy for children in San Diego and how it can bring peace back to your family.
Parenting with Confidence and Connection
While this blog focuses on separation anxiety, many parents also find that their children’s anxiety shows up alongside challenges with focus, emotions, and routines, especially in kids with ADHD.
If you’ve been looking for tools to help your child feel more secure while bringing more calm to your home, my Connected & Practical Parenting Course was designed with you in mind.
This self-guided course includes 65+ short lessons filled with step-by-step strategies to help you set healthy boundaries, validate emotions without enabling, and create systems that ease everyday stressors.
Build confidence and calm as you learn how to support your child through emotional challenges with care and understanding.