19 month old separation anxiety

I don’t even know what I’m asking for but I’m just a wreck today. DD started playschool on Wednesday. She is 19 months and I was home with her for 9 months and then she has a nanny. She is not a big fan of the nanny – she’s old school and bit tough and rough on the edges. I felt like DD was ready for more interaction and enrolled her in play school (3 hours a day, 2 days a week) and she was a crying mess. This morning she looked so sad while I was pushing her to school, it broke my heart. She screamed and bawled and I waited outside her class, a little while and she stopped crying but I could still see she wasn’t all that comfortable. I don’t know if I should keep her there or pull her out. I’m thinking of starting Montessori for her in Sept. and I’m at a loss now. I can’t bear to see her be this anxious but I also want her to play and interact. I’m such a mess. I can’t stop crying at my desk.

Re: 19 month old separation anxiety

It is SO hard to see them get so upset like that and have to leave them. It's very normal though for her age. I would give it some time before I seriously considered pulling her because there's an adjustment period. I'm sure she's not upset all day and it's worse on you than on her. Think of all the great benefits of her making friends and having a little independence! You're doing the right thing, she just has to get used to it. It will get better

19 month old separation anxiety

your DD reaction was completely normal!!!! Do not pull her out because you are just prolonging the inevitable. They all go through some sort of separation issues at soem point.

My DS has been in daycare since he was 8 weeks. You figure he should be fine by now.....We still have good days and bad days. Some days he runs off and does not even say goodbye. Other days we ge the crying and hugs whrere he won't let go. Its tough. But Give it soem time and I'm sure your DD will love it.

Re: 19 month old separation anxiety

thanks guys.. like a crazy mom, i went by her school to check up on her (i peeked in) and she was ok.. playing and things. She does not like to be away from me.. but I want to help before turns out into a full blow panic attack. I'd die.

19 month old separation anxiety

Awe! Many hugs!!! I went thru something similiar this am. Dropped DD off at Learning Center for the 1st time too. She did ok tho but Im still worried!! It's hard but keep her in. Kids are resilient when we are not around.

Re: 19 month old separation anxiety

How long has she been there?

I usually find that the first day dropoff is the easiest... everything looks new and fun!

Second day they realize what's going on.

Third day they begin to realize it's not so bad! And from there it only gets easier!

Soon you'll get there and she'll barely look up from whatever she's doing!