Mahler Stages of Development Checker

Margaret Mahler's theory of separation-individuation describes how young children gradually develop a sense of self as separate from their primary caregiver. Understanding which stage your child is going through can help explain behaviours like clinginess, stranger anxiety, tantrums when you leave, and the push-pull of wanting independence one minute and needing you the next.

This tool helps you identify where your child is in Mahler's framework and gives practical advice on how to respond. If you have any comments or would like additional tools, please leave a comment at the bottom of this page.