I'm wanting to get some feedback as to whether anyone has experienced the same thing with their child.
My son is 3.5, attends 3 year kid kinder for 3 hours one day a week and then 2 days a week attends child care. He has been in child care for 18 months or so now. When I drop him at kinder and day care he is clingy and as soon as I say bye Mummy has to go now he gets hysterical crying and screaming Mummy please don't go I stay at home with Mum. He knows I am going to work not just at home without him. I'm worried for him long term when he is at school etc that the separation will be too much. When I speak to the carers at kinder and day care they say he settles within 5 mins of me leaving and happily plays in the activities and doesn't cry or ask for myself or his Dad the rest of the day.
Sometimes I feel he is trying to test me to get me to stay but then maybe it's more than this ??
Anyone have anything similar happen or advice ??
Thanks
Help with seperation
Help with seperation
Posted in:
Parenthood Guilt, Baby & Toddler
2 Replies
This is so common! I've worked in schools, daycares and kindy. As long as he settles within 5 minutes if you leaving it's totally fine. It can be worse when the parent doesn't leave quickly and shows anxiety. So be very matter of fact and stick to a routine. Eg bag away, take him to an activity quick cuddle and kiss and gone. The longer you try and placate him the worse the tears can get.
I am going through the exact same thing, but my son is only 18 months old!! He goes to a daycare for 2 days a week and I find the drop offs soooo hard! It makes me feel so bad for leaving, but the carers have said that he settles within a few minutes after I leave! I think they key is like the other poster has said, just be quick, settle him in and then quick kiss goodbye and go. I find when I prolong it, it is worse for both of us, as they can sense your anxiety!! Just keep asking the carers how he is going when you leave, this is what I have been doing, just to see that he is actually settling when I am gone!! I am hoping its just a stage and that is passes! Good Luck with your son and just keep focusing on the positives on him interacting with other children, thats what I do!!!