Separation Anxiety?

totally normal! Luckily quick stage. I heard always say goodbye and don't sneak out if you are really leaving, so they learn to trust you.

It sounds like a phase. Give him lots of hugs and kisses, and he'll get over it soon :).

It may be "just" separation anxiety..or..he may be exerting his control and seeing how you react to what he does. He is at the age to start testing and see what happens when he does A, B, or C. You may want to be careful to not overreact and instead, when he gets anxious, reassure him he's fine and you'll be back. Do not let him control what you do or you will soon have a little tyrant on your hands! He wants to be in charge! He is almost two! If you've never given him reason to think you may not come back (i.e you've never snuck out during a nap, or not returned when you said you would) then he will learn that mommy goes away and always comes back and he will be fine. Be sensitive but confident!

I have a 22 month old son, also a very pleasant child who is easy to be around, who goes through these separation anxiety phases. I responded to your question because my son has been doing the car seat thing you described off and on for the past month. There are times where he's unhappy if I'm not right next to him, even if I'm only a few feet away and he can see and hear me. I think we're coming out of one of these phases since I've been allowed to leave his sight off and on for the past few days without him losing his mind. It comes and goes. During the intense periods, I do still walk in and out of the room and of course walk around the car after I buckle him in. I just stay close more often if I can because he seems to need it. It feels really intense, particularly when you are used to such an easy going person, but it passes and you move on to the next phase. And now I'm being paged. . . :) Good luck.

It's a phase. Just one of many. My son did this for about a week and then it was gone. Now we are in the wonderful phase of taking his clothes and diaper off and running around naked. I'm constantly re-dressing him. Aghh!!!

I have a bit of experience with this, as my youngest son had (and still has to a degree) severe separation anxiety. He had it to the point where if I left him with a sitter, they would have to hold him, and lock the door behind me or he'd chase my car down the road (no kidding). I asked a doctor about it and he suggested that I get him a small stuffed animal (I got a racoon beanie baby), then put a few drops of my perfume on it. Then I explained that this was our bond to each other and that as long as he had "Ricky Raccoon", I would always be there with him. Gradually he began to relax and stopped chasing me. He still sleeps with that beanie to this day though and he is 13 1/2!! He also will call me on the phone if he doesn't know where I am or why I'm not home when he feels I should be. But, he did grow out of it for the most part. If your son does not, speak with a doctor--perhaps he has clinical anxiety (as does my son). Good luck!

It's not abnormal. As others have said, it's just a phase, and he'll get over it. When you have to leave his sight, assure him calmly and affectionately that you'll be right back, and eventually he'll realize that you mean what you say and always DO come right back when you say you will, and his anxiety will diminish.

Same thing as everyone else. Except, I have 4 kids and my first 2 had mild SA, but grew out of it right away, but my third STILL cries if I go upstairs or walk around the truck (she's almost 2 1/2...but it is usually only when she is tired) and my 9 month old is fine while I am in the house or if I leave him somewhere with someone else (like the church nursery), but if I should try to leave my house without him, he goes nuts. Each child is different.

It is a phase. They do calm down. And the more you calmly show them that you always come back, the easier it is. My 2 1/2 year old has actually gotten a lot better in the last couple of months. Once they are able to communicate a little better it seems to get easier. Now that I can tell my daughter that I am just going upstairs for a second and I'll be right back down, she doesn't stand at the foot of the stairs and scream the entire time I'm up there :-).

Some things to try:
Play permanency games with him like peek a boo and hide and go seek. They love it and it teaches them that even when you are not "right there", you will be back. Try hiding behind the couch or under the table or even under a blanket and yelling "where's Mommy?" for hide and go seek. Then tickle him like crazy when he finds you.

Talk to him constantly. Tell him CALMLY exactly what you are going to do. Don't get frustrated or he'll read into that emotion and think you are just as worried about leaving as he is. The calmer you are and the more you communicate, the easier it is.

For the car, get him a special toy that he can only play with in the car. That will get him excited to be in the car and he won't notice you are leaving him (hopefully).

Hope one of these tricks help!!!

It is a tough phase. My daughter did the same thing from about 6 month to 2 1/2 years old. Now she wants to do everything herself. My son just turned 6 months and is starting the seperation anxiety. His is not as bad because with two kids I have to leave him to play, to tend to my daughter, so he is more used to it. It will pass, but it is very tough on momma. Some kids are more of "cuddlers" so to speak. Just make sure to take time for yourself, during a nap or on the weekend. Good luck, and remember it will not last forever.
T.