Should I say goodbye or not? (Just to go to work, nothing too drastic)

[Visitor7]

Definitely say goodbye before leaving. You're right when you say she thinks you're going to abondon her. That's exactly what she's thinking. But just think if something was to happen to either of you, and you never said goodbye to her. I know, thinking like that is awful, but it's life really.
It's best to make it quick. Say 'goodbye, mummy loves you and I will see you soon'. Will it get easier? Maybe, maybe not. Each child is very different. My DD1 is very clingy with me still at the age of 3.5yrs, whereas DD2 couldn't care less if I was there or not.

[~Kim~]

I always used to make a point of saying, "I'll see you later, I'll be back after work". I don't actually use the word goodbye (no I know that wasn't the question, just offering), but i always let them know that I am going and will be back.
My DH reckons I shouldn't, especially with velcro man DS as it makes it worse, but then he's hysterical when I get back because he's figured out I've gone and he doesn't have any reassurance I'll be back.

[Santosha]

It's very important to say goodbye. It's helpful if it's a little ritual - you say the same phrase and do a little wave bye bye, kiss on the head (whatever you like). This way your DD can learn to trust that you won't just dissapear at random any old time - that she will always have warning. That doesn't mean she won't be upset to know you're going, but at least she'll have the chance to process it and cope in her own way. If you just sneak off regularly, she may become more anxious and vigilant as she can never know when you might leave.

Sorry, really struggling with expression tonight, hopefully you managed to decipher my point in there somewhere! All the best for your return to work.

[kelebek]

I also think saying goodbye is really important cause it builds up the trust, yes it will be hard and yes I am sure she will tantrum but at least she knows that you will come back. I have seen children of mothers who disappear and the children freak if mum is in the toilet or outside and they didn't know she had left the room.