Gradually exposing a child to separation can help them become more comfortable with it, Lee said. Parents can start by doing short bursts of separation — such as going into another room for 5 minutes ...

On her first full day of preschool, Alexander Lane's 3-year-old daughter stayed in the car for an hour at drop-off because she didn't want to go inside. On the second day, she entered class in tears.

On her first full day of preschool, Alexander Lane's 3-year-old daughter stayed in the car for an hour at drop-off because she didn't want to go inside. On the second day, she entered class in tears.

You may not be able to make your child's anxiety go away — but you can help them build a toolbox of coping skills to navigate their fears productively.

On her first full day of preschool, Alexander Lane’s 3-year-old daughter stayed in the car for an hour at drop-off because she didn’t want to go inside. On the second day, she entered class in tears.

Starting School Can Be Hard for Young Kids. Here’s How to Help With Separation Anxiety On her first full day of preschool, Alexander Lane's 3-year-old daughter stayed in the car for an hour at ...

Constant clinginess, tantrums, and inability to sleep alone are all signs of separation anxiety.

On her first full day of preschool, Alexander Lane's 3-year-old daughter stayed in the car for an hour at drop-off because she didn't want to go inside. On the second day, she entered class in tears.