All babies go through a normal period of separation anxiety sometime between 8-14 months. Separation can be as simple as mom or dad leaving the room or as complicated as hiring a sitter to watch the baby while parents take a much-needed break.

The child’s anxious response is one of distress—crying, clinging and calling out. In most cases, the child can be distracted or comforted and is ready to start over from a small separation. But what about the parents? Separation can be difficult for them, too.