From 6 months of age, your child becomes more and more aware of your permanent presence and grows more emotionally attached to you. 

When you leave or separate from your child, they become anxious as they know you are elsewhere. This is called ‘person permanence’.  

Children start to learn that even though they can’t see you, you still exist. 

• Because they have no concept of time, they become anxious because they know you are somewhere and don’t know when you will return. 

• Children may cry or fret when you put them to sleep or when they wake up in the middle of the night knowing they cannot see you in their room. 

• This behaviour usually peaks around 1-2 years, and children tend to grow out of this stage soon after.  

If separation anxiety is significantly disrupting your child’s sleep or continues for an extended period, speak to your family doctor.