Separation Anxiety & Siblings

[ChetMC]

Separation anxiety certainly has a lot to do with a child's deposition, but do you think it's worse with first children, only children or children who don't regularly spend a lot of time with siblings?

Our first DD didn't have separation issues. That was just her nature. I thought that our second DD didn't have them either, but the first time I left her with my parents without her sister there too she was not okay. It seemed that she'd been finding a lot of security in her sister accompanying her whenever DH and I did not.

Now I'm inclined to describe DS as a pretty outgoing toddler with no separation issues, but often he's ditching me to follow his sisters. He doesn't seem as outgoing without them. And he requires a lot more attention from me or DH when his sisters aren't around.

[SweetPotato]

I think it's mostly dispostion. Our dd is only now starting to get over her separation axiety (she's 3.5yo). She's an only child, but she's been so extreme on this since she was a little baby that I don't think a younger sib coming along at 2-3 years would have chnaged it much- it's just who she is. Though I can see how a child with older siblings always around might feel less comfortable when separated from them and from parents at the same time.

[funkymamajoy]

Its my middle child that has separation anxiety the worst and she's the thumb sucker with a blankie whose had a SAHM for most of her life.

[HunaMama]

Yes, disposition does have something to do with it. But so does practice.

When a child never has to put on his own undies, he has a hard time with it when he tries, right? And us mom's would use encouraging words in this case. "You can do it. I know they can get tangled but you'll get it with a little practice. Keep trying."

So, I suggest that he could use a little practice being on his own without the regular cast of players. You can absolutely remind him that he can do it. And he will. This is a great opportunity for him to learn some supported independence, even if it's a challenge at first.

Cheers,
Colleen

[becoming]

Another vote for disposition. My oldest had horrible separate anxiety, my middle child none, and my youngest is in between.

[Porcelain Interior]

Originally Posted by funkymamajoy

Its my middle child that has separation anxiety the worst and she's the thumb sucker with a blankie whose had a SAHM for most of her life.

I was a middle child/thumb sucking/blanket caryying kid wirh separation anxiety. My mom didn't SAH though.