How Long Does Separation Anxiety Last?

Separation anxiety is one of the most universal experiences in early childhood, and understanding its developmental arc can provide enormous comfort to worried parents.

At Mulberry House International Kindergarten,we want to reassure you: for the vast majority of children, separation anxiety at school is temporary, manageable, and actually a positive sign of healthy attachment.

The Developmental Timeline

Separation anxiety has a predictable developmental timeline:

8 to 10 Months: It typically emerges when babies become aware that people and objects can disappear — but they do not yet understand that they will come back. This is why a baby who was previously happy to be held by anyone suddenly cries when passed to a grandparent. This early form is completely normal and healthy.

12 to 18 Months: Separation anxiety tends to peak during this period, and then gradually decrease through the toddler years.

It can resurface at key transition points — starting a new school, returning after holidays, periods of illness or family change. These resurgences are normal and do not indicate regression.

🏫 Starting School: What to Expect

At school entry age (typically 2 to 4 years for Mulberry House playgroup and kindergarten), separation anxiety is extremely common in the first weeks.
——Most children settle within two to four weeks of consistent daily attendance.

By this point, they have had enough experience to develop what child psychologists call “object permanence of relationships” — the understanding that when Mummy or Daddy leaves, they always come back.

Some children take longer — up to six to eight weeks — and this is also within the normal range. The key factors that support faster settling include consistent attendance (even when it is hard), warm and confident goodbyes, a positive and nurturing classroom environment, and a child who has been given age-appropriate information about what to expect.

When to Seek Extra Support

If separation distress is still intense and persistent after eight weeks of consistent attendance, it may be worth speaking with your child’s teacher and, if recommended, a developmental professional.