Sorry to be a total PW today, but clearly we're having some issues at our house! My DD is going through HORRIBLE separation anxiety! We went to my in-laws this weekend, and she literally would not let me put her down for the first 4 hours we were there. Every time I tried, she would cling to me with every muscle in her body or start wailing as soon as I put her down. We visit them about once every 6 weeks, so it's not like she's never met them before, but they also aren't people she knows that well.
Then on Sunday, my DS had a birthday party to go to at one of those inflatable house venues (btw- SOOO fun!), and again, she would NOT let me put her down the entire time we were there. She will sort of go to my DH, but ultimately she just wants me!! She'll sit in my lap on the floor, but she will not let me leave her side!
I know separation anxiety is normal for this age, but what is the best way to deal with it? Should I indulge it and just hope she grows out of it? Am I supposed to "push" her to deal with it by just putting her down and walking away? Is there some magical way to ease her in to new places? I hated seeing the look on MIL's face when DD wanted absolutely NOTHING to do with her, and it's starting to become a total PIA to hold her every time we go some place new.
TIA!
Re: Separation Anxiety
Thank you both! This is very helpful because they are both different perspectives that I hadn't considered. For some reason, I just assumed it was separation anxiety, but now I'm wondering if she's uncomfortable or overwhelmed. I never thought about her being overwhelmed, but that does make sense. It's really more about new places than new people, and I guess that doesn't really fit in the separation anxiety bucket.
hmm....more to think about here. My DS was/is super social and loves new places and people, so this is all new territory for me.