[aclee]

It's been my experience that some kids go through the anxiety twice. For Ty he did have some around 9 months, but was easily soothed. Plus at that age, he was into learning so many things, he just wanted to explore. It almost seems like the anxiety at 9 months is more an awareness anxiety. They are very aware they aren't with Mommy, and suddenly they realize they can state a preference for her.

I think the for a majority of kids the separation anxiety comes on stronger around 18 months when a child will really have anxiety that the parent isn't coming back, or they have real fear of the new environment. Every parent makes their own choices, but I'm a big believer in not sneaking off on children that have separation anxiety. I'm not saying stay till they are comfortable and happy, I'm saying tell them you are leaving, that you will be back, and then leave. Make it predictable and always the same. That is how I've dealt with it with Nanny kids, and it worked great.