Separation Anxiety - Cushing,ME

I run a daycare and find that kids often have a period of "bad drop-offs" both around age 1 and then around age 2. It's best if parents don't give in, and make drop-offs quick & to the point. As a provider, I find it helps to have something special waiting for that child as they come in the door...a toy that hasn't been out in a while, or a craft all ready to go, or watering can filled up for them to feed the plants. But, I would start to suspect something else if it continues everyday for 2 weeks straight.

believe me when I say she stops with in minutes of you leaving. My daugher is turning 2 in July and she does the same thing now that she realizes that mommy is leaving. I usually stay with her for a few minutes and wait for her to get settled in with all the other kids. SOme days it works and some days it doesn't. Usually Mondays are the hardest.

A.,
my daughter (13 months) does the same thing....i finally have to walk out and then if i stand outside, i can hear that she stops the minute i leave. for us, it's just an act. that may not be the case for you, every kid is different, but i worried about the same things--is everything okay with the sitter, etc. turns out i'm just raising a drama queen. :)

hope this helps!

A.,
You're not a horrible mom at all! I wouldn't worry too much about things going on at care unless her crying is fearful and she's telling you things are going on. Be careful about asking her, though- you could plant ideas in her head unknowingly, and then things could get really weird. It's likely that by bringing the new baby into the mix, she's just acting out a bit. But- the longer you hesitate and stay with her to calm her, the more you are telling her that she has something to be upset about. She will take her cues from you- if she can see that she's affecting you, she will keep trying. So work with her teachers on shortening that transition time, and maybe include a special book. On the way to care, tell her "Mommy's going to read you *whichever book you choose* one time, then we'll have a kiss and hug and I have to go." Allow her to carry a pic of you as well if it will help. Then, you really have to just do it. Know that her providers see this all the time and know what to do, and know that as soon as you are gone she's likely to have calmed down quickly and gotten on with the day. Go in, read, kiss/hug, hand her off with a big smile. "I'll see you later! I love you!" Then turn and hit the road. I know it sounds easier than it is, but I've done it both as a teacher and as a mother, and it's really the best way to help your little one through this time. Your smile lets her know that all is well. Be sure to let the teachers know what you're doing as well, so someone will be there for the handoff. HTH! H.