Pandemic heightens kid’s separation anxiety



How to respond to clinginess and tantrums

pandemic, kids, parents, anxiety, tantrums, clinginess


Separation anxiety normally begins before the age of one but fades away by around the age of 3. A small percentage of kids continue to exhibit symptoms such as clinging to parents, as well as tears or brief tantrums immediately before or after parents' departure. In some cases, such behavior continues into the school years and may be accompanied by stomachaches or headaches.

As parents cope with the complexities of the pandemic, especially in the case of essential workers who may be home less often than usual, symptoms of increased or revived separation anxiety can present a poignant challenge. The New York Times cites research on the best ways to respond to children's anxiety and when to solicit medical attention.

Anxiety is a normal protective emotion that kicks in as children become more aware of their parents' importance and their own ability to walk away. If tantrums last for a long time or persist for months, or if they are so prevalent, your child has trouble with age-appropriate activities, seek the help of a specialist in therapeutic treatment of pediatric anxiety. A therapist can use cognitive-behavioral methods to help your child, as well as giving you advice on responding to anxious behavior.

Here are methods psychologists recommend for relating to both normal and pandemic-heightened separation anxiety.

1. Coping with meltdowns. Some parents try to forestall anxious behavior by staying in view of the child and avoiding situations that require separation, but in the long run, it's better to teach children to deal with anxiety, an important life skill, said Golda Ginsburg, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. After a tantrum, when your child has calmed down enough to pay attention, affirm that you can understand why they feel scared, and then encourage them to practice being bravely on their own by undertaking an absorbing activity alone.

2. Prepare for separation. If you're anticipating a situation that may cause anxiety, such as beginning remote learning, going back to preschool, or spending a night away, practice the routine ahead of time so your child knows what to expect.

3. Transitional objects. Offer a coping strategy such as selecting a comforting item that reminds your child of home. This transitional object can be kept in a convenient place in the house or in the child's cubby at school, for easy retrieval when anxiety hits.

4. Treat your own anxiety. It's easy for parents to feel anxious too in these stressful times, and our anxiety can be communicated to children. Take time for self-care to alleviate stress and consider joining a support group online. It helps to share strategies with other parents and to know you're not alone.



Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • Understanding 'Warning Strokes'

    What to expect if you experience stroke symptoms, even if they disappear

    Diagnosing a transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a “warning stroke,” can be challenging because symptoms often disappear within an hour. However, it’s important to seek emergency assessment to help prevent a full-blown stroke. read more »
  • Managing your family's year-round health

    Protect everyone from infectious diseases

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccines help create protective antibodies that fight off infections. read more »
  • What to know about Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

    treatment can help control symptoms and improve quality of life

    Each year, an estimated 500-1,000 people nationwide are diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). While there’s currently no cure, treatment can help control symptoms and improve quality of life. read more »
  • Bring back family bonding this fall

    3 ways to free up busy schedules to spend time with loved ones

    Busy fall schedules often leave little time for the things that matter most – sharing special moments with those you love. This year, as time seems to speed up during another school year, making family bonding a priority in your household can start with a few simple tricks. read more »
  • Top tips for a more organized kitchen

    Save time and money

    Better organization in the kitchen means spending less time searching for the right ingredient or tool so you can have more time for savoring meals with family and friends, and more time for personal pursuits. read more »
  • 6 small, kind gestures to make a big impact each day

    Performing acts of kindness improves individual well-being

    Everywhere you look, you can see moments of kindness. From a friend sending a thoughtful text message to a stranger holding the bus for someone running late or a person paying for someone else’s coffee, acts of kindness happen every day. read more »
  • Keeping babies safe

    Tips to help prevent some of the biggest dangers

    Tips to help prevent some of the biggest dangers for babies include safe sleeping habits, product recalls, baby proofing & car safety read more »
  • Tips to get tour student prepped for college entrance exams

    Help get your teen ready

    Is the SAT or ACT on the horizon for your high schooler? A lot of emphasis is placed on college entrance exams, and your child may be anxious about their scores. read more »
  • More than two-thirds of Americans plan to get a flu shot this season

    CVS Pharmacy® and MinuteClinic® encourage consumers to get an annual flu shot and stay up to date on routine vaccinations

    CVS Health® (NYSE: CVS) is prepared to meet patients' vaccination and other preventive health care needs as flu season approaches. CVS Pharmacy® and MinuteClinic® are offering the annual flu vaccine at locations nationwide. CVS Pharmacy is also offering the new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, which has been approved for adults ages 60 and up. read more »
  • 10 phrases to say to children every day

    Instill valuable life skills and boost their self-esteem

    As parents, you play a pivotal role in shaping your child’s character, confidence, and overall development. Every interaction is an opportunity to instill valuable life skills and boost their self-esteem. read more »