CAN'T LEAVE THE ROOM WITHOUT MY 4 YEAR OLD LOOKING FOR ME

My 4 year old daughter has never been shy or scared to be away from me.  However, the last 2 wks have have been quite different.  She is constantly calling for me in the house to check where I am.  If I do not answer, she panics and starts crying, thinking I left her.  If I need to go in the garage to take out the garbage or grab something out of my car, she follows me out there even when I tell her I will be right back.  When I need to go out alone she begs to come with me or asks how long I will be.  I have reassured her MANY times that I will never leave her, and I will always come back.  I have also noticed lately that she wants to stay by my side at functions instead of going off with the other kids.  This is so unlike her.  I need to be within her view in order for her to feel relaxed and be able to play without me lately.  I have never left her with a stranger or alone in a public place.  I have no idea where all of this fear is coming from.  She is very close with my husband (her dad), but only seems to have an issue with me leaving.  I am beginning to wonder if she has separation anxiety disorder.  Do you have any advice for me on how I can help this child?  Thank you!

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Be patient and supportive. It's not unusual for this sort of anxiety to appear at this age. Don't offer excessive reasssurance - this actually promotes, instead of reducing, anxiety (sort of like the parent who checks under the bed for 'monsters' - it's meant to be reassuring, but does the opposite). Carry on your usual reoutine and don't let the anxiety determine the routine of the household. Handle it with equanimity and in a casual manner. It will likely wane. And continue to expose her to age-typical pursuits.