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Child Behavior (Expert Forum)
Teenager -separation anxiety?
Answered by
Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D. - Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, Family Therapy, Crisis Intervention
Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates
This forum is for questions and support regarding child behavior issues such: Child Discipline (behavior management), Normal Child Development, Parent-Child Communications, Social Development
Teenager -separation anxiety?
by NLG, Feb 21, 2002 12:00AM
My daughter is almost 13 years old. I am divorced (8 years) and am the residential parent. My daughter and I purchased our first home in Aug of this year. (We didn't change schools or cities.) She's an only child and was very happy to play on her own, either stereo in her room or reading a book. Recently however, she's taken to following me around the house all the time. "What'cha doin' Mom?" is her opening phrase. She even follows me to the basement and the only thing I do down there is laundry. It's beginning to make me a little crazy. I can't think of anything that's happened recently to bring this on, except that she's been seeing less of her dad. Partially because she's chosen to spend some weekends at home, and partially because he has a job that requires that he work some weekends.
I know that she's awfully proud and happy about the house...and that could've been an adjustment but even so, this behavior didn't start until about 2 months ago.
I've tried teasing her. When she asks what I'm doing I say "sitting on the roof" or "running away from home" or something just as ridiculous to have her notice that the question is a bit weird.
Is this normal or how should I try to figure out what is wrong?
Thanks
I know that she's awfully proud and happy about the house...and that could've been an adjustment but even so, this behavior didn't start until about 2 months ago.
I've tried teasing her. When she asks what I'm doing I say "sitting on the roof" or "running away from home" or something just as ridiculous to have her notice that the question is a bit weird.
Is this normal or how should I try to figure out what is wrong?
Thanks
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D., Feb 22, 2002 12:00AM
, Feb 22, 2002 12:00AM
Have a chat with her, and talk about how you've noticed that she seems more interested in being around you and less interested in being separated from you. Ask her if she's noticed the same thing. See if she can discern anything that might have her feeling more insecure than usual. In a general sense, I don't see any reason for alarm. It's possible she feels less connected to her father, and this is worth pursuing as well, if for no other reason than it represents a change from the usual.
