If your child cries every time you leave the room, it may be obvious they’re struggling with separation anxiety; however, other signs of separation anxiety are less obvious. Knowing what to look for in your infant, toddler, or preschooler will allow you to identify the issue and address it as soon as possible, minimizing stress and trauma for both you and your child.

Signs of Separation Anxiety

Infants

In infants, separation anxiety can begin as early as 6 months, but it most frequently occurs between 8 and 10 months. If your child cries every time you leave or any time they’re handed to someone else, that’s a clear sign of separation anxiety. Another, more subtle sign, is disrupted sleep. Your baby may wake up multiple times, even when they were previously sleeping through the night. They may also wake up earlier than normal.

Toddlers

Toddlers over 18 months may exhibit signs of separation anxiety when a parent leaves for work or when being dropped off at day care. They may throw tantrums, cry, and cling to you as you try to leave. You may also notice your little one is more restless and even fearful at bedtime. For toddlers, the outbursts are often short-lived. Once you’re out of sight, they may quickly begin playing or doing some other activity.

Preschoolers

If your preschooler has separation anxiety, they may cry and throw tantrums, but they may show other signs as well. They may refuse to go to preschool or even to a friend’s house and may also avoid sleepovers away from home. You may also notice an increase in nightmares and complaints of stomachaches and other physical ailments.

Whether your infant, toddler, or preschooler is exhibiting signs of separation anxiety, it’s critical to act quickly to ease their stress—and yours. Developing and sticking to bedtime routines and creating meaningful and comforting goodbye rituals can all help ease your child’s nerves when you drop them off for day care or preschool.

Enrolling your child in an early childhood program with caring instructors, comprehensive curriculum, and plenty of other children to play with can also help ease anxiety. At Tiny World Child Care in Brookline, MA, your little one will explore their world through music, science, and even another language. If you’re looking for a home-away-from-home for your infant, toddler, or preschooler while you’re at work, call them today at (617) 232-0115 to inquire about enrollment, and visit their website for more information.