Separation Anxiety in Parents

by Fiona
(Glasgow, Scotland)

I read with interest your article on Infant Separation. I wonder if there is such a thing as Parent Separation Syndrome?

I breastfed my son for 9 months and gave up because I felt it was making me a little crazy! I felt that I could never be away from him or put any physical distance between us at all. These feelings did subside a little after I stopped breast feeding and I could even start to leave him with my own parents or my husband for an hour or so.

Reluctantly I went back to work. My office is around 10 miles from his daycare. I constantly worry about the distance between us. I travel by public transport to the office which is quicker than taking the car, however I always worry about getting back home in the evening to collect him from nursery and worry if the train breaks down etc. I am now looking for alternative employment closer to home so that the distance between us is less.

Also I still don't like to leave him with babysitters and always need to call to make sure he is ok. Obviously if I do go out I don't go very far!

My son is now 22 months and I still feel the same anxiety.

Do you think these feelings are normal?

Many thanks for your assistance.

Fiona

Breastfeeding Magazine Response:

Separation anxiety isn't just something that your kids experience. Many parents get nervous and anxious when their little one is in day care, starts school or goes away to camp. (Some of us have even found ways to work from home to try to see our children more!)

You may miss your child terribly, but this is perfectly normal. In fact, it would worry us more if you didn't miss him!

There is nothing wrong with wanting to spend time with him! In fact, enjoy it while it lasts. Before you know it, he might be 6 foot tall and heading to college...so enjoy him! :)