Please help me cheer up my son!

[NotUmbongoUnchained]

I don’t know what to do with my 2 year old boy. My daughter, his big sister, started school this September and he is in actual morning. He worships her and is so sad that she’s not in nursery with her anymore. Apparently at nursery now he just stands outside by the gate hoping he will see her in the playground at school.
He’s actually depressed! I feel so awful for him. He had lots of friends but he’s become completely withdrawn. We were going to separate their rooms but I think this might tip him over the edge if we do this now.

Had anyone else had this? What do I do? Is a visit to the GP really over the top? Can a 2 year old be depressed??

Have you/ do nursery talk to him about the change.
If you / they explain the new routine he might find it easier to go with the flow. Eg. "We are going to have lunch now and then play with X, after that it will be time to go home with sister and mummy. I wonder what you and sister will have for tea together tonight."

Awwww.
At first, I thought this sounded really sweet.
But after reading - so, he still doesn't even smile or seem happy in the evenings when he's reunited with his DS, and they are home together?
If so, that is a bit odd, isn't it?
Does he feel 'betrayed' by her, as perhaps he doesn't quite understand that she needs to go, rather than she's 'abandoing' him?
Maybe?
Poor little mite.

At his age,to cheer him up, the only thing I can think of is snuggles and tickles.
And a yummy treat.

Not sure what your MI is, but have you already investigated whether it is one that could be hereditary? But as the timing coincided with DD's school, it's probably not a concern for now.
I agree it would be good if you could spend the days with him.

I do hope he'll spring back soon. Sometimes they just suddenly do so, like there was never anything wrong!

In the nicest possible way OP, he's 2. I'm not sure what the GP could do. I'm not in any way trying to dismiss your concerns btw. It's awful seeing your child distressed. My mum died when DD was two and it was heartbreaking seeing her so upset.

But it is completely normal to be thrown and upset by something like this. It would be far more concerning if he wasn't if they are very close.

Lots of love and reassurance at home that he isn't being abandoned. Can nursery do more to help him foster more friendships with his similar aged peers? I know you say you work but maybe some play dates on days off.

Hope he is feeling happier soon

No even when they’re together he’s withdrawn. My MI wood completely explain a reaction like this. My husband is a paediatrician and has said to just give him a while but I can tell he’s concerned.

Oh, that might be a bit concerning; and one month a fairly long time.
I wonder if he thinks his DSis' feelings have changed toward him?
Has your DD tried to engage him, persistently?
Really persistently, to at least get a little bit of a smile?

If it were MI related, and one that could be observed by age two, it's fortunate that your DH is a paediatrician.
So, as he said, just give DS a little more time.

Perhaps start a new thread with a new title of - Toddler DS still very sad since DD started school - to get more input from others who've experienced this particular scenario, for comparison.
So far the ones mentioned do seem to have been to a lesser degree, but it is only a few.

Just wondering if he's eating the same as usual?
btw, Have you decided to not yet separate their rooms?
Then again, it might be good to get it over with all at once.

Sorry you're concerned, OP

Turns out he thinks she’s not going to come home one day!
He’s spent everyday worrying that it will be day she doesn’t come home

He’s so silly. I’ve reassured him so hoping tomorrow will start to get better!

Oh bless his heart! Hopefully things will improve now you've got to the bottom of it