When an infant is born, it 'imprints' on it's mother first, then others closest to it (father,siblings,other family members,grandparents,carers, friends.) This is essential for survival - it learns to identify its mother through its five senses - touch,scent,sight,sound etc.) It can recognize its mothers scent and if parted from the thing that brings it comfort,security food and warmth - it will 'raise the alarm' (cry!)
However, at this stage it does not know it is dependent on its mother and cannot feel anxiety about what would happen if she were not there - its distress is instant and 'of the moment.' This presage of danger is built of experience and as time passes the child begins to associate the absence of its mother/prime carer with anxiety over potential unpleasant experiences - separation anxiety is developing and peaks between 1 - 5 yrs depending on the maturity/positive experiences and education of the child. With careful and sensitive handling it passes usually before the child reaches kindergarten - or even toddler daycare if it has been handled well. One of the forremost researchers into this subject is still the late Jean Piaget:
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