It is normal for children to experience a certain level of anxiety as they grow up. In fact, separation anxiety is healthy and necessary for children between the ages of 18 months and 3 years old as they become more independent. However, symptoms of separation anxiety can also occur in older school-age children and teens.
Traumatic events can cause symptoms of separation anxiety, and the coronavirus pandemic is likely to cause a spike of separation problems in both parents and children. Self-quarantine, social distancing and remote learning have impacted how children view their world, which could potentially cause them stress, fear and more as they return to school or have to visit other environments outside their homes.
If your child is feeling upset, having anxious thoughts or experiencing physical symptoms like stomach aches over leaving you or your home, here are tools and strategies for helping them cope in a healthy way.
