Northern California Babies

Oona and anxiety... is this normal? :(

We noticed recently that Oona freezes whenever we drop her off at daycare in the mornings... when before it was never a problem. She'll be in good spirits, happy mood, etc., and when we get to the door and the DCP opens it, she usually see's 2 or 3 kids standing next to the DCP and at least one kid will say, "OONA!" :)  :):)

and Oona will FREEZE, turn around, clings onto DH's leg and cries. Maybe I am making a big deal about this but my poor baby! At first I thought she just doesn't like to be in the spotlight when there are lots of ppl stare at her all at once (we started noticing her behaving this way when all the kids were already there at daycare so there were like 6 -8 kids and misc. parents standing in the room when we arrive) but this morning it was just the DCP and 2 kids, both of which we know are Oona's buddies (Maddox and Andre).

Any thoughts?

Re: Oona and anxiety... is this normal? :(

  • have you asked her whats wrong? I hope it's just a phase!
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  • Well, I'm pretty sure DH rubs her back and asked her what's wrong when this happens. Not sure if she communicated what was bothering or scaring her. I think I might mention this to her pedi. I hope it's just a phase too.
  • I think it's totally normal for her to be going through some anxiety...but I only say that because we still have some bouts with separation anxiety (i.e. today). The boys absolutely break down when they know if either DH or I are leaving them. It won't last too long now, but it is a big spectacle with lots of tears, screaming--and the whole bit. I think maybe just reassuring her of her friends and DCP she might start to relax a bit. I hope it doesn't last long. Big hugs!!
  • you might want to ask her about daycare when you are at home, like when you are getting ready to leave for DCP. Then she won't be immobilized by anxiety/fear when you wants an answer from her. I'd ask a bunch of "yes" questions.

    - are you excited to go to school?

    - Are you happy to see your friends today?

     - Are you going to have fun today?

    Then, once at DCP and she freezes, you have a recent convo to fall back on that reminds her that she was excited to go to DCP to have fun and see her friends. 

    At least, that's what I'd do. 

  • Was she fine a little while later?

     

    Peyton cries EVERY morning when I drop him off.  He will cry for about 5 minutes and then go on with his day.  I think it is his way of letting me know he loves me and doesn't want me to leave.  It breaks my heart, but I know he is fine.

     

    I think it is a phase, but it has been a long phase for us.

  • imageMamaDep:

    you might want to ask her about daycare when you are at home, like when you are getting ready to leave for DCP. Then she won't be immobilized by anxiety/fear when you wants an answer from her. I'd ask a bunch of "yes" questions.

    - are you excited to go to school?

    - Are you happy to see your friends today?

     - Are you going to have fun today?

    Then, once at DCP and she freezes, you have a recent convo to fall back on that reminds her that she was excited to go to DCP to have fun and see her friends. 

    At least, that's what I'd do. 

    This is good stuff. We'll try that!

  • imagedblhappiness:
    I think it's totally normal for her to be going through some anxiety...but I only say that because we still have some bouts with separation anxiety (i.e. today). The boys absolutely break down when they know if either DH or I are leaving them. It won't last too long now, but it is a big spectacle with lots of tears, screaming--and the whole bit. I think maybe just reassuring her of her friends and DCP she might start to relax a bit. I hope it doesn't last long. Big hugs!!

    This is good to know :)

  • It looks like you got some great advice, and unfortunately I have nothing else to add.  It sounds like a phase, but I can see why it would be tough.  :( (((HUGS)))
  • Nick has been at his DCP since September and we still have mornings where he'll get upset when I drop him off.  They're pretty few & far between, but some days I think he's just feeling a little off and wants to hang with Mommy (sigh, I see my moody personality traits in him... uh oh).  Anyway, there are also times when, even if he's not upset and/or reaching for me, he's sort of stunned and just watches all the other kids for a few minutes.  It's almost like he's thinking "Hmm, not sure if want to deal with these people today..."  But then in a few minutes he's off, grabbing a toy, etc.

    I do simliar questions to what Katie suggested when we're getting ready to leave.  "Nick, are you excited to see all your friends?" and then I name off a bunch of names in his class.  Seems to get him in the right state of mind most mornings.

    Hope Oona gets through the phase quickly!!

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