Separation anxiety

[LakeGenevaMum]

My daughter is 16months old and whereas she was happy staying at creche for a few hours each week, she now cries pretty much non stop from the moment I leave her to seeing her again 2 hrs later. Now she wont eat, interact with the other children or play with the toys unless one of the assistants gives her one on one attention. I was hoping this was a phase and that it would pass, but its been 3 months now and not showing signs of improvement and starting to really stress me out (although i am always upbeat when i tell her she is going there). I also make sure to remind her that she will be playing with her friends and that i will be coming to pick her up at a specific time....is anyone else experiencing this? Any advice?

[MoonFaceMamaaaaargh]

Hi LakeGeniva,

This is a bump really as I haven't been through this...ds is only 9m.

Hope youu get some help soon.

[Simic]

In my experience, your own instinct is really important in situations like this. If you feel she just doesn't like it there, then take her out.
Perhaps it is that 2 hours a week is just not enough for her to get to know the place - the staff, the children. To be left on their own despite separation anxiety, they have to feel at home. Maybe she's not there enough for it to be a home from home for her? If you only need it for such a short time, would it be possible to get a babysitter (even a family member), where she will have the one-to-one care and maybe even be at home so she's in a familiar environment?
It seems like she's trying to tell you something, maybe??

[LakeGenevaMum]

thanks for your responses...unfortunately, we have recently moved to Geneva and have no family around to help. The creche seems like a fun place with lots of activities and the other kids are content. I was wondering if its possible that DD is finding it hard as she is used to just her and I all day (DH works long hours). Doing other activites with her now and also arranging playdates with new friends, hopefully that will help with her getting used to spending time with others and help with the creche too. Here's hoping!

[Simic]

Good luck with your new approach! Sounds good!

[LakeGenevaMum]

:)