Fear and the sense of self

At this very young age your children gain a “sense of self,” an understanding that they are distinct and independent persons. The anxiety of being left alone or of unfamiliar things (or faces) can come and go for the first two years of life; for some children, it lasts even longer.

By 18 months, though, most toddlers are better at managing their fears of separation. Also, your children may begin to realize that even though you occasionally go away — when you drop them off at day care, for example — you always return.

To help your kids cope:

• be sympathetic


• don’t prolong your good-byes


• reassure them that you’ll be back soon