What behavior indicates a toddler is in the protest stage of separation anxiety?

In the context of separation anxiety, the protest stage is characterized by distinctly emotional responses when a toddler is separated from their primary caregivers. Crying and fussing are primary indicators of this stage, as the child expresses their distress and discomfort about the separation. During this phase, the toddler actively shows their frustration, often through vocalizations like crying or fussing, as a means to signal their need for closeness to their caregivers.

The other behaviors listed represent different responses not associated with the protest stage. Withdrawal from caregivers signifies a later stage called despair, where the child becomes less active and may seem to accept the separation, while refusing to engage in play indicates a level of disengagement that typically occurs after initial expressions of distress. Denial of a parent's presence could also reflect a state of resignation or coping mechanism that develops after the initial protest, rather than an active expression of anxiety about separation.