In this episode of the Aware Parenting Podcast, which is part of the Foundations of Aware Parenting series, I discuss separation anxiety.

I delve into the history and current usage of the term and I contrast Aware Parenting's understanding of separation anxiety with Classical Attachment Parenting's understanding.

I explore various causes of separation anxiety, including developmental stages, a need for safety, accumulated feelings, past unhealed separation trauma, and the parent's own past unhealed separation trauma.

I also emphasise the effect of cultural beliefs on the understanding of separation anxiety and, as always, I offer lots of compassion to parents and children who are experiencing separation anxiety.

I provide practical suggestions, such as the use of separation games and listening to crying and raging, to help both parents and children experience more connection, safety, and healing.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Aware Parenting

00:26 Understanding Separation Anxiety

02:24 Cultural influences on Parenting

06:52 Causes of, and Responses to, Separation Anxiety

25:59 Healing Through Separation Games

40:10 The Influence of a Parent's own Separation Trauma

41:53 Conclusion and Resources

If you want to learn more about separation anxiety, I wrote a free ebook, which you can access here: https://marion-rose.myflodesk.com/gfm8bc3qf5

I also recommend reading these books by Aletha Solter, PhD.:

Cooperative and Connected

Healing Your Traumatized Child

Tears and Tantrums

The Aware Baby

And these books by me:

I'm Here and I'm Listening

The Emotional Life of Babies

All of Your Feelings are Welcome

If you want to learn more about separation games, one of the nine types of attachment play, you might feel called to do my Attachment Play Course, which you can find here:

http://www.attachmentplaycourses.com/join-in

I'm also creating a mini course on separation anxiety. You'll be able to find that on my website.

You can find out more about my work at www.marionrose.net and my books at: https://marionrose.net/books/

You can also find me here:

https://www.instagram.com/theawareparentingpodcast/

https://www.instagram.com/_marion_rose_/

https://www.instagram.com/awareparenting/

www.facebook.com/MarionRosePhD