Separation Anxiety in Highly Sensitive Kids

AuthorAuthor

Victoria Walsh & Jill Gilbert
April 10, 2025

Raising Highly Sensitive Kids. No Filter.

Hey there, Mama!

There was a stretch of time when I literally had to wait until my son was asleep just to sneak downstairs and change the laundry. If I dared to leave the room before he was out cold? The screams that followed could’ve convinced the neighbors we were hosting a halloween horror night. 👻

Not because he was spoiled. Not because he was manipulating me.
Because he was scared.
Because, for a highly sensitive child, separation doesn’t just feel uncomfortable—it feels dangerous.

Even being out of eyesight, just one room over, was too much. His nervous system would go into full panic mode. And I know now, it wasn’t just him. So many moms raising highly sensitive kids experience this exact thing. And it’s so hard.

So this week, we’re focusing on what’s really going on when your child can’t stand to be away from you—not even for a bathroom break.

In this issue:

  • 😢 What To Do When Your Child Hates Being Away From You
    Decode what’s happening with your child’s separation anxiety and discover tools to help now.

  • 🧁 Easy to Make Mini Pancake Muffins for Your Picky Eater
    A no-fuss breakfast win for kids who have very strong opinions about what they eat.

  • 📚 The Book Every Highly Sensitive Mama of HSC Needs on Her Nightstand
    Finally—a book that gets you just as much as it gets your kid.

You’ve got this. And more importantly…you’ve got us.

Jill

HSC MAMA, FOUNDER & CEO

👀 Click to watch our latest IG reel for travel hacks that might just save your summer vacation from meltdowns! Your highly sensitive kiddo (and your sanity) will thank you. ✈️

SEPARATION ANXIETY IS FOR REAL!

What To Do When Your Child Hates Being Away From You (even for seconds)

Ever feel like you need emotional hazard pay for daycare drop-offs? Or possibly financial compensation for the screams that ensued after you just left the room to go pee? That full-blown meltdown when you leave could be a sign of separation anxiety, and for highly sensitive children, it hits with hurricane force.

Those tears aren't manipulation or something to "fix." Your child's wired to feel deeply, and their nervous system genuinely believes separation equals danger.

In this week's blog, we're tackling the separation struggle. Because you deserve to pee alone someday, and your child deserves to feel brave even when things feel scary.

PICKY-EATERS BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS

Image Credit: buildyourbite.com

Mini Pancake Muffins For The Whole Fam

We stumbled across these adorable mini pancake muffins that might just end the morning mealtime battle once and for all! If your highly sensitive kiddo has strong opinions about breakfast (and honestly, whose doesn't?), these fluffy little bites offer the perfect solution.

What we love most? You can customize each batch with different mix-ins—blueberries for you, chocolate chips for them, plain for the texture-sensitive little one. They're faster than traditional pancakes (no standing at the stove flipping!) and perfect for little hands that might feel overwhelmed by larger portions. Plus, the dipping potential is endless—maple syrup, yogurt, or fruit puree turns breakfast into a fun, low-pressure eating experience.

When mornings already feel like emotional tetris, having these ready-to-grab muffins might just save your sanity!

This Book Will Change How You See Sensitivity

 (especially if you are a highly sensitive mama yourself!)

I've got a book you absolutely need to add to your nightstand this week! "Sensitive: The Hidden Power of the Highly Sensitive Person in a Loud, Fast, Too-Much World" is a game-changer that validates what sensitive people have been feeling all along.

While it's not specifically about raising sensitive kids, I found it revelatory for understanding my own sensitivity and my child's. The authors (who are sensitive themselves) show that this trait isn't a weakness but a superpower when embraced properly. They offer practical advice for relationships, work, and yes—even parenting—all backed by fascinating research.

What I love most? It's like having a friend who gets it, whispering "you're not broken, you're built this way for a reason." Trust me, mama—this book will transform how you see sensitivity in both yourself and your little one.

☕ Sip & Support: While "A Cuppa Momsense" is our gift to you, some product links may be affiliates. If you treat yourself, we might get a little something too – at no extra cost to you. It's how we keep the coffee flowing! 💖

🥰 Could this newsletter help a mom you know?

If you know a mom who needs a little more calm and a lot more support, click the button below and grab your unique referral link to share with friends through text, email…or however you communicate. Plus, get you’ll get a special reward after 5 referrals!

Until next week, sip slowly & savor the calm ☕️