Separation Anxiety

What is Separation Anxiety?

• Separation anxiety begins in infancy as a normal part of development.
• Separation anxiety is distress or anxiety that occurs when the child is away from their caregiver.
• If separation anxiety becomes excessive/interferes with daily life, the student may need an outside referral.

How Can I Help?

Encourage the parent to create a goodbye ritual.

Encourage the parent to "practice" separations.

Encourage parents to be consistent and not give in to their child's crying or pleas for them to not leave.

If a child's separation anxiety continues to interfere with school, talk to the school counselor.

Created by Jennifer Butler