What is separation anxiety?

See answer: It's a normal part of development, and it usually happens around 8-9 months of age and may last until a year or so. The child experiences anxiety when separated from the primary caregiver (usually the mother) and might cry, cling to that caregiver.

The "camp cries": Often really seen for the first time when kids go away to camp separation anxiety is when a child has an overwhelming anxiety response when separated from their caregiver. Like homesickness on steroids and it can happen anywhere, like a sleepover or even just going to school in the morning.

In infancy: Separation anxiety is a normal developmental milestone at 9-12 months that means your baby has " object permanence, " a mental representation of someone/something he can't see. Separation anxiety disorder in older children includes their worrying that something bad will happen to their parent or themselves while separated.