I have a 2 yr old boy and he has terrible seperation anxiety!! I have read that this is normal, but how do I get him to feel comfortable being in a day care setting without freaking out!!! I cant even put him in Sunday school while we are in church and if I run to the store and leave him home, even with his daddy, he throws a huge tantrum!! I am planning on going back to work soon and am very worried about the transition. If ya can't tell, I have been home with him full time since birth.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks,

saph

2 of my kids used to do that... until I was out of the room! They sure know how to get mom's attention don't they.

I found that the only way is to leave them with a close friend or a willing Sunday School teacher. You kiss them, drop them off, tell them you'll be back - and walk out. You can't get them used to it unless they have practice. They might howl for the first few times but eventually they realize that you come back. I know it's a whole lot harder on mom then the kids!!



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Pink

Kids are certainly smart, aren't they. I see it happen a lot at my school.
Be firm and fast. Tell him goodbye, give him a big hug and kiss and leave. Don't look back and don't feel bad. You know they will take good care of him! Don't hesitate!
He needs to learn that you will be back and that he is not in charge. You know, moms suffer more than he does. beleive me!
It is not easy, I know, but this is the only way.
Some children can keep this up for a very long time, so be ready for a long ride. In the end you and every body around you will feel better.

Thanks for the replies you two!! It is definately harder on the Mom I think and being with me 24/7 from birth makes things a bit more difficult too. I will drop him off and walk away and try not to go running back!! LOL.

Thanks again!!

Saph

Go girl go. It's the only way. I wish there was a gentle way of doing it... but there's not believe me. I've had to do it with 2 of mine. The other is so outgoing that she pushes me out of the room! lol

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Pink

I used to babysit for a 1 year old boy who cried every single time his mother left him....for hours. He was only left with his grandmother, never with a stranger...which I imagine is probably tough on any child.
This is just a suggestion, but maybe it will help. Maybe short trips, like to the store or something without him, or just outside doing something int he yard, leave him inside with dad, and come back after 5 or 10 minutes. And work up a little longer a little bit at a time. He will cry, but maybe with the little times at a time, and then coming back he will understand you arent leaving for good, and will eventually be ok with it. or maybe a reward for being a good boy and not crying when mommy leaves may help...just a couple suggestions, good luck! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif