Is it normal for a two year old to have seperation anxiety?

Maria - posted on 03/02/2011

When my daughter went through this a few months ago I went to my library and checked out toddler books on seperation anxiety and we read them together. One of the best was "The Kissing Hand". I do leave mine at church in the nursey several times a week for a couple of hours, so our problem was when I was actually leaving her. Since most young two year olds still play beside their peers instead of with them, it makes sense to me that if you are an option she'll choose you over other children.

I think a co-op or preschool is fine, but not necessary. Mine is not in one and when she is with her peers who are, she is more advanced academically and no different socially.

Tiffani - posted on 02/24/2011

My child prefers the company of people older than she is. My husband and I think it is because of the communication gap. She can't understand what another two year old is saying, but she understands the older children and their parents.

Lydia - posted on 02/23/2011

Apparently kids only start learning that they are independent from their parents between 2 and 3 so is perfectly normal to go through separation anxiety. We started our daughter at music class at 18 months and she loved it - our friends daughter took a bit longer to get into it. Each child is different - you can always try and see if she takes to it - if she isnt ready you can always pull out and try again later.

Sharina - posted on 02/20/2011

Yes it's completely normal. I have had children (as a two's teacher) take 6 weeks in preschool M-F in my class to get adjusted to where they wouldn't cry all day until their mom came back. Some are just more cautious and sensitive than others.

Jennifer - posted on 02/08/2011

My little one was the same. She always wanted to play with us rather than go play on her own then all of a sudden she didnt want us to play anymore. She still struggles to play with other children but she is getting there. We also found that if we leave her wth a babysitter she cries when we first leave but as soon as she is distracted she is fine and doesnt even mention us. We just leave with her programmes on which helps a little. I guess it just happens when it happens.

Erika - posted on 02/07/2011

I think the sooner the better! My daughter loves having play dates with friends and going to playgroups. She cries when friends leave or we have to pack up and go. I guess it is pretty boring sometimes being stuck home with me alone. My daughter only has a problem when we leave her with a sitter or she stays the night somewhere. But she usually gets over it. We just need her to focus her attention on something else. She loves to colour and play with stickers. As well as watch her favourite shows on tv. Every child is different and it takes them a while to get used to new things, people and atmospheres. Good luck to you!