Having some real issues with my 3 year old and even the nursery manager is stumped. He's suddenly developed significant separation anxiety, to the extent that i had to bring him home again this morning as they weren't happy for him to be so upset for too long. One of the things we've noticed is that a) if he's told off, or thinks he's done something wrong that was compulsive, he hits himself (on the knee, or back of the hand) and keeps saying 'No!' as if telling himself off. He also seems to really struggle with the noise level of the other kids.
If anyone has any ideas or suggestions on this one I'd be so grateful. I honestly don't know what else to do. I've tried staying a while and I've tried being firm. We tried distracting him and then saying bye when he's got his mind on something. Usually, once I've managed to leave he's perfectly happy, but things are getting tougher, rather than easier. He always loved going, but now the mere mention of the place and he's saying he doesn't want to go or that i can't go when he's there.
Sorry for the long thread!