Separation Issues

[Crowe]

I need some help. DD who is 8 months old on the 1st May has some serious separation issues. I know they do get this happening around this time but have tried to leave her with some friends on a few occassions and am always called back as she is screaming and sobbing her head off.

I have to go back to work in June and am putting her into child care 3 days a week so am really anxious about this. Any tips on making this easier for both of us?

[jamakin]

i'm sorry i don't have any suggestions but ds is doing the same thing at the moment so i totally understand - so clingy!
will be watching this thread closely.
good luck!

[Crowe]

It seems I have asked a question that either no one has experienced or got any information on?

[Lulu]

Are you going to do a trial run at CC for the first few days to get her used to it? This might help.

She may get a bit better over the next few weeks, but it's one of those things they all seem to do to some degree

[*EJ*]

Maybe have a chat to the cc centre you are taking your daughter to, see if they have any suggestions. I haven't had any experience in this myself (kind of skipped the seperation anxeity... sorry ) But i have heard a few people who have experienced this go along with their child in the beginning. In your case you may want to start this a fair bit before June. Gradually nick out of the room or the centre altogether just for short amounts of time but always show your little one that you return. This may gradually build her confidence in being away from you.

Also being in a cc centre you may find there is more to occupy your daughter than say at a friends house (nothing against leaving her with someone you know and trust) but if her little mind is busy she may not get to miss you so much.

Like i said i have no personal experience in this but i went back to work when my DS1 was 8 months old and we managed quiet well. I found a fdc that i was happy and comfortable to leave my son at and we never had any tears when saying goodbye. Every morning we arrive she has a wide range of things set out for the kids so their first thoughts are WOW... not worrying about mum leaving them. Knowing your child is happy makes things a WHOLE lot easier. Good luck

[amberj]

Just wanted to sympathise and offer my experience. My DS is extraordinarily clingy at the moment- we can't walk out of the room without him screaming. Its exhausting!

He is in FDC one day a week. He only started about 5 weeks ago, so its still new. The first time I spent a lot of time there with him. Then I just gradually started leaving him for longer and longer. He still is upset when I leave, but then is happy enough. Actually, my FDC lady says that while he's there, he's very clingy with HER- won't let her leave his sight etc, like he does with us. So obviously he's comfortable with her! I guess what I am saying from that is it is possible for your LO to be happy in daycare, as long as you introduce them nice and slow and they bond with someone.

I wish you the very best of luck. I know how absolutely heartbreaking it is to hear your LO is upset, and how exhausting it is too- I feel, particularly at the moment- that DH and I just CAN'T go out on a date night or anything because DS just isn't happy with any sitter. Sigh!