Separation Anxiety - Columbus,OH

One question is are you rushing out when you leave? or are you stressed out about things. The kids can really pick up on the stress and act out that way. If you are rushing out, she may feel that you are not saying bye to her. Make sure you have enough time to sooth her and reassure her she will be back in a little bit. My son about the same age would do that some times when I would drop him off at daycare. Well, he started to, I could never leave him that way. But I would be late to work and did not care. I took the time to wait til he settled in. It helps when other kids got his attention, or the teachers would try to talk to him. Once something got his attention, he was off and I was gone. The teachers always tell me that once I am gone, he is fine. It was all an act to keep me there. Even when they are acting that way and you are late, be Calm. It helps. Good Luck!

My son began to have separation anxiety when he was 6 months old. I stayed at home during the day and went to school in the evening when my husband got home. He too would scream and cry, sometimes he even held his breath. I read in a parenting magazine that it is quite normal for infants to experience separation anxiety. They suggested the game Peek-A-Boo. You can play the old fashion way or actually walk out of the room and hop back in saying "Peek-A-Boo!". It teaches them through play that you will come back when you leave they're sight. I began playing an extended version with my son a half hour before I had to go to school. Then I'd kiss him and hand him off to his daddy. He still cried a little at first, then he understood that I would return. I hope this helped. I know it can be rough having your baby cry when you need to leave. What's worse is I was nursing and as soon as he started belting out those screams my breasts would begin to ache AND leak. I can't tell you how many times I had to change scrub tops before leaving.
Mama Cas

I would suggest giving her something that reminds her of you.....AS YOU lay her down for nap. Remind her you will be at work - but when she wakes up she can remember that you still love her and will miss her - and will see her later. Such as.....a small animal that you both like (stuffed) - a cheap photo book with several shots of you - a soft framed photo....or even a little stuffed 'angel' or something. Don't know if it will work - just a thought. I give my kids the soft photo books alot. When my husband travels we will do a couple of the family or him - before the grandparents come we do a couple (get them more comfortable). You can get them even at the dollar store I think! Sometimes I put in a picture or note that I have drawn for them - or a postcard! Good luck - and remember it is a phases, and will pass eventually.
R.

My son went through this a little earlier, he is 4 now, and only with me. It helped if I layed with him but set limits, ie. for 5 or 10 min or until he fell asleep depending on what was going on that day. You could also chang times you leave or if consistancy is needed keep it the same but inform her what will happen in a little bit, I always told him I loved him and that I would see him later, before he went to bed or after and that I would check on him. It has always helped to tell him what was going to happen and still does like with the dr., when we get home and I need him to help do things, etc. It may not work with her but might be something to try so she knows what to expect especially at this age.