Does your child cling to you whenever you try to leave? Does he or she react strongly to the thought of being left alone? Psychologists call this kind of behaviour separation anxiety, and it's usually a normal part of your child's developmental process-one that they outgrow. Sometimes, though, extreme or persistent kinds of separation anxiety can make life difficult for both you and your child. In some cases, separation anxiety issues can lead a child to be reluctant to get ready for school or, worse, to simply refuse to go at all. This behaviour, called school refusal, comes with its own set of challenges.

This book shows you how to identify when your child's separation anxiety or school refusal is more than just a phase and offers effective tools that you can use to manage your child's anxiety. Real-life stories about other children facing these challenges will help you keep your situation in perspective and remember that, with patience and persistence, your child will overcome his or her anxiety.
After reading this book, you will be able to:

Identify your child's unique safety needs.
Empower him or her with simple and effective coping skills.
Guide your child to better sleep, more comfortable alone time, and regular school attendance.
Monitor your progress and tap additional resources as you need them.

This step-by-step handbook offers parents effective techniques for dealing with normal separation anxiety issues, separation anxiety disorder (SAD), and school refusal. With their unique approach to the problem, the authors give parents the tools they need to make real progress with these issues.