Tips for dealing with Separation Anxiety?

March2004bride

Today was the first day DS had a meltdown when I left daycare.  He has been going for 6+ months now.  I always get down and give him a hug/kiss goodbye, but today when I did it he started bawling.  The DC workers were baffled too since he had never done that before.  In fact one of his teachers came over to comfort him and I handed him off to her.  That was another crying out burst. I'd like to do what I can to make him comfortable with dc.  Any tips or suggestions? 

crysas81

It is just that time of development. Some people swear by a lovey but dd never took to one. trust me, it's not a daycare thing. DD cries when I leave the room...she has a complete meltdown. When I am leaving for work, she cries and gets clingy with the anticipation of it. What I have to do is switch up the routine a little and keep goodbyes short and sweet. I usually give a smooch, a hug and say I  love and see you in a few hours and I can't wait to hear about the day! (she can't talk but it gets me through it). She is home with DH so it's definitely not a daycare thing. He says within 3 minutes she is fine. I think it bothers me more...sometimes for hours! But she gets over it very quickly.

Bella427

Try to remember that 8-9 months is when separation anxiety normally hits, even if DS has been in daycare a while.  Develop a routine and stick to it.  Keep the goodbye pretty quick but don't sneak out.  I used to stand on the other side of the door after to make sure she stopped immediately, and she always did.  If you stay longer because he's crying, it will just make it worse.  I know it's hard but it's totally normal and your DS will be fine!

spinach

Like pp said, this is around the time they get separation anxiety, keep your good byes short and sweet, don't keep coming back and make them see you leave over and over again. They'll stop once you leave and they'll eventually grow out of this. My DS was in this stage for a couple of months and he was perfect when he first started day care at 6 months.