9781422280638

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Chapter One

What Is Separation Anxiety?

Sometimes your parents probably do things that make you unhappy, like take away your phone. Other times they make you do things that don’t make you very happy, either, like clean your room. But parents don’t do those things because they want you to be unhappy. They do them because they believe that a little bit of unhappiness now is going to make you a better, happier person in the long run. Most parents secretly hate having to punish you or make you do stuff you don’t like. But they know that there are some bad parts of life that are also expected parts of life. One expected—and not fun—part of life is occasionally feeling anxious or afraid. Being a bit nervous sometimes is not bad. Much like putting down your phone or cleaning your room, some occasional anxiety may make you a healthier, happier person in the long run.

Words to Understand

attachment: the feeling of wanting to be around someone you care about. inconsolable: so upset that nothing makes you feel better. intimidating: scary, in the sense of being overwhelmed. phase: a distinct period with a beginning and an end.