My ds1 is just 2, and he has just developed marked separation anxiety. He had the usual small upsets when we left the room etc at maybe 8 months, but what had shocked me is how suddenly and markedly this has come on. Everything I read seems to say it peaks at 18 months and starts to fade at 2, so I'm concerned. And emotionally exhausted. I know he can't help it, but the severe reaction when myself or his father leave the house (or even a room!) is heart wrenching. It feeld like a cloud is hanging over me. We do our best to love him, hold and reassure, but also be very much positive and business as normal with regards to departures. I'm not letting him see my worry or distress--well I try. But it's upsetting and suffocating. He now clings to me when my mum is over, as he seems to be taking her being here as a cue that I'm leaving. Can't be fun for her. She had been his primary care giver when I'm at work.
This all seemed to start when he began a few mornings a week at a lovely little nursery in sep. Feels like more than coincidence, he just doesn't seem to settle there. Which blindsided me as he is such a confident little boy. That said, we have had a couple of weeks off and the anxiety continues. So I'm not sure whether to take him out and wait for a bit. Feeling a bit emotional and stressed about it all, especially as dc 2 due in just over a month.
I love him dearly, I know he must hate feeling like this, but I feel like it's unintentional emotional blackmail and I'm running on empty here... Even the thought of popping to the shops and leaving him with mum is causing me mild anxiety now
Tell me this will pass??