Attached at the Hip!!!

I am having the same problem with my daughter and I am also confused as to what to do. I can't give you any advice that I need, also, but I do know and understand what you are going through. I am very stressed out by it, too. Unlike you, she is the only one that I have, but it is still very difficult. I have worked on and off through her 4 years, but when I did work, she told me everyday that she didn't want me to leave her with her daddy and she didn't want me to go to work. She wanted me to stay at home with her every minute of the day. It is very stressful. I can't even do my housework, shower, ot go to the bathroom without her right there with me. I do, however, enjoy her wanting to learn how Mommy does this or that, but I need Mommy time and I have tried to explain this to her. She just keeps on insisting that she just wants me to be with her and give her all my attention. I don't know what to do either. I am in the same boat as you are.

My daughter Heidi (4) did that too.....if you feal really uneasy talk to her doctor. Remember all kids are different.....she jus tmay be more emotional than your other children.....K.

My son did the same thing I could'ent even go to the bath room alone.Day care is a good thing though.It took my son quite awhile to get used to being away believe me he cried at my feet everytime I dropped him off,broke my heart.But eventually he got used to it.Now he's 13 and I can't get him to spend any time with me.

she is probably picking up on your mood & wants to be near you..my youngest did the same if i was sad she got extra clingy it still cheers me up to this day..have you thought of family counciling sounds like u got alot on your plate wish u well

M.,

Have the sleep problems and the separation anxiety started since you went back to work? It may be the transition to a newway of life that has her out of whack. You didn't work with the other two, so that may be why her behavior is different. Separation anxiety kicks in with most kids the minute they learn to crawl. At that point, they realize that they can move away from you, and vice versa, and the knowledge freaks them out a little. The good news is that it peaks arount 18 months, and then gradually fades away.

Your daughter will get used to being in day care. That doesn't mean she won't cry when you drop her off, but after a little while she'll stop crying for long periods of time. She'll still be sad to see you go, she loves you, and has relied on you for attention love, affection, and to meet all of her needs her whole life. That's scary. Once she bonds with a care provider, and learns to trust them to take care of her, she'll get more comfortable. She will be okay.

Try playing peek-a-boo games with her, to teach object permanence (something still exists when I can't see it). Keep a smile on your face when you drop her off and pick her up, so she knows you feel good about this place and these people. She picks up your vibes about things, and if you're anxious or upset, she'll really worry that something's not okay. Make goodbye quick and upbeat, don't stay for a long time with her, or sneak out when she's not looking. Sneaking out sets up insecurity that you could disappear any minute, and she'll learn to stick to you like glue.

She's going to be okay, and in a few months you'll be writing to us that you worry she loves her day care provider more than you!