While a child explores the world more actively by her second birthday, she is also more aware of her dependence on her parents. Take a situation when the mother is forced to go out of town on some urgent work or has to be hospitalized for a few days and puts her child in the care of a relative or other person. The child will probably not react if the mother does not make a fanfare about her departure. However, on her return the child will probably stick to her mother like glue, terrified that she will abandon her again. The child will be alert for the slightest indication that the mother may leave her.
Some children develop a fear of the dark so they have trouble going to sleep.
In such cases, the parent should sit by the child s bedside till she falls asleep. Don t be in a hurry to sneak out of the room as soon as she shuts her eyes. Make her feel that you are right by her side. In all likelihood she will outgrow the fear in a short while. Parents have to be very patient while dealing with separation anxiety in their children.