If you are a parent of a small child, then you likely are all too aware of separation anxiety. For those who are unfamiliar with the term, separation anxiety is a common problem seen in young children starting between the ages of eight to twelve months old.

Children with this problem become very tearful and overly upset, sometimes to the point of hysteria, when their parents leave them with another caregiver. When a child has separation anxiety, it can be a random individual they don't want to leave, or it could be a specific person that they never want to lose sight of.

Separation anxiety can affect the parents in the same way it does the child. Wrestling with the temper tantrums or hysterics can be exhausting and frustrating if you are the object of attachment for a child who throws a fit every time you leave the room or leave them with a babysitter.

Many times the child with separation anxiety not only wants the person whom it is closely attached to, to be physically present but also wants that person to holding him/her or in contact with that person. This can put pressure on the person to get daily chores, like cooking and washing, done. This can impact on the stress levels of this person and on their relationships with other members of the home. Another aspect of separation is that the caregiver cannot leave the house for work or an errand without the child displaying some form of separation anxiety. This can bring on feelings of guilt or even stress if they are prevented from doing the things they need to do.

It may be consoling to parents who are worried about separation anxiety in their children to understand that it is not a result of parenting that is too protective or too lax, or excessively tough or easy. It is a simply a normal part of growing up that all children have to go through. Indeed, some children feel separation anxiety far more than others and it may not even be an issue with some kids.

Try to set aside a specific time each day to work on the issue of separation anxiety. Perhaps after dinner each night you can tell your child that you are going out but will return shortly. Enter the house again in another five minutes or so, pretending that your child is not experiencing the same separation anxiety issues that may have been sparked by your initial departure. Be seated and busy yourself with reading, watching television or whatever activity you're used to and allow your child to approach you. When that happens, behave normally as if nothing transpired earlier and continue your normal routine. If you practice this consistently, your child will come to realize that you will always return eventually, and his separation anxiety should subside.

To help your child get past separation anxiety, it is helpful to actually separate from him or her more frequently on a regular basis. For instance, if your child becomes distraught each time you leave to go to work, you may be tempted to stay with him all the time when you are not at work. Instead, it may be wise for you to try something different.