Your Child’s Separation Anxiety The prospect of new experiences away from parents or other loved ones can be quite frightening, especially for younger children. These worries are a normal part of development for all children. Separation Anxiety Disorder All children and teens experience some anxiety—it's a normal part of growing up. When worries and fears abnormally focus on separation from home or family, the child may have separation anxiety disorder. Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Children and Adolescents Children or teens with generalized anxiety disorder often worry a lot about future events, past behaviors, social acceptance, and school performance.