DS's separation anxiety is driving me crazy. I appreciate that he is attached to me because I care for him day and night and that separation anxiety is supposed to be a positive sign of strong attachment, but his screaming everytime I walk out of the room is driving me crazy. DS can be happily playing by himself. But, if I put one foot on the other side of the gate, he freaks. Even though he can still see me in the kitchen, he screams at the top of his lungs unless I go back to the family room and pick him up. It's impossible to get things done or even go to the bathroom without him screaming. Putting him in his high chair doesn't work either. And, right now I can't let him crawl around the kitchen because we've had some exterminating done and I don't want to risk him getting some of that on his hands. When does this end? (I think I've read 18 months. -- Does it really last that long?) Any tips to get through this stage?