My 8 year old Daughter is going through a really tough time. She worries and cries about going to school, after school hobbies, play dates, Grandparents house.... everything which doesn't involve me. She can't explain why she gets so worried or upset only that she will miss me. It's taking over our lives. Worry about school starts the night before with crying about school and if she is going to a club then that too. She gets so upset and can take a while to settle. Next morning she refuses to go into school. Hangs onto the gate, cries, says no. She goes in via the Office door most days now. Same struggle with after school hobbies and now even playdates with friends if it's outside of our home and I am not there. I've been reassured when she settles at all of these places she is fine and comes around quickly but the situation is affecting the entire household and I am exhausted by it, worried about mentioning school or clubs in case I upset her and losing all patience with the constant crying and distress. I've spoken with the school who are helping in school with offering her a familiar teacher she can go to if she is upset, spoken with GP but got nowhere, given her a picture of me in a locket, let her take a comfort to school, read books with her about worry, bought her a worry stone........ I have no idea whether to continue the loving I'll be there for you Mummy persona or to be firm. It's all encompassing.