Separation anxiety is not a phenomenon experienced solely by children. Working parents, both mothers and fathers, often feel guilty about leaving children with a caretaker. Separation anxiety is as traumatic for them as it is for their children. Communication is sometimes difficult upon return because of the different experiences encountered by each spouse. Separation of a parent creates a disruption in the life of each family member.
Experts agree children are affected by a parent's absence.
Separation Effects for Adolescents Decreased cognitive performance and depression in adolescence have been associated with routine parental absence as well as long working hours that make parents less available for their children. Some parents believed it was best to cut off their relationship with their child to ease the pain for both parent and child. In short, the majority of families has never matched the common image of nuclear family having an at-home mom. Historically speaking, women have always worked both inside and outside the home. For some homes that meant dual identity as a boarding house.