Separation Anxiety

From FOCUS ON THE FAMILY, Today, 12 mar 2008 edition

 

Separation Anxiety

By Dr Bill Maier

 

I am sure you’ve met toddlers who run and hide behind their

mothers when you try to talk to them. Your child may do the

same thing. Well, depending on their age, it’s probably not

something to worry about.

 

Childhood fear and anxiety is pretty common among toddlers.

Almost all kids go through a certain level of separation anxiety,

where they shy away from strangers and cling to their parents.

Some kids go through periods where they won’t let anyone

but mum hold them.

 

Even if dad picks them up they start to cry and whine for

their mother.

 

Some parents get frustrated during this period and may wonder

what they've done to create such a clingy baby. But this is a

normal developmental stage. In time, almost all toddlers grow

out of it. If they don’t, that's when it might be wise to talk to

your pediatrician.