Q&A: Why does my child follow me from room to room?

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

 

• How to support a child who struggles with separation anxiety, even at home.
• Why some kids follow their parents from room to room and constantly want to stay close.
• How to respond when your child says "I miss you" without accidentally reinforcing anxiety.
• Why validating your child's feelings is important, but rescuing them from distress can sometimes make separation harder over time.
• Simple ways to help children build confidence tolerating small separations through play, connection, and gradual stretching.
• How to figure out your child's "stretch point" so you can support growth without overwhelming them.
• Creative ways to use timers, playfulness, collaboration, and connection to help kids practice independence.
• How parents can reduce accommodations around anxiety while still staying warm, supportive, and emotionally attuned.

 

This episode will help you better understand what may be driving your child's clinginess or separation struggles and give you practical, compassionate strategies for helping them build confidence and independence over time.

 

 

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:

 

👉 Want extra support in your parenting journey? Upshur Bren Psychology Group offers therapy and coaching to give parents the tools to feel more grounded and confident as they navigate parenthood and learn how to most effectively support their child. Visit upshurbren.com to explore our services and schedule a free 30-minute consultation call to find the support that's right for your family.

 

 

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how you can have a smoother daycare or school drop-off

 

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about helping preschool parents prepare for drop-off, separation anxiety, and the development of social skills with Meredith Gary

 

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about where the line is between supporting your child and feeding their anxiety

 

 

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

 

Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!