17mo suddenly upset at nursery drop off

[larrythelizard]

DS is 17mo and has been going to nursery since the start of July. He's been really settled after the first couple of weeks and even took a move of room at the start of Sept in his stride.

However for the last week, he's been really upset at drop off - no idea why as there are no changes at home or at nursery (same lovely key worker).

He's fine walking to nursery, it's just when he has to leave me/DH that he gets upset.

Any ideas of how I can help him? It's horrible to leave him so upset (although I know he's fine when he's there)!

He's probably just realised that he would prefer to be at home.

I'm sure he'll settle again soon 🙂

I think their forward planning and swlf awareness and things have a bit of a leap at this time. Mine wasn't at nursery at 17MO but she suddenly got more awkward about sleeping alone etc. Like pp said I think they suddenly become a lot more aware that they have control over certain things and are learning that how they behave really can affect their environment. Is he happy once he's at nursery. My 2.5 often fusses and cries when we tell her it's a 'nursery day' but she's described as very resilient and happy to get involved with everything once she's there. I think what helps is acknowledging that they're upset and disappointed but don't flinch. Hand them over quickly once they arrive at nursery. Quick kiss and 'mummy loves you' and then go. This said does he seem ok when you pick him up? If he still seems upset and your gut is that he's not having a great day and been distressed all day on a regular basis then you might want to start questionning whether this particular nursery is right. I moved mine early on out of gut instinct and the difference was phenomenal. She's so much happier now. Don't be afraid to question this if you feel something isn't right. Good luck. It's tough. Sometimes you just wish you could send them there with a secret camera lol x

Thank you both for replying. I think you're right and he's just much more aware than I realised. Will try for more explaining on the next drop off, I think he suprises me with how much he understands.

@Jannt86 he's always very happy to see me and from what his key worker says he's happy when he's there and they seem to know him well.

Will keep on being upbeat but firm and hope he settles again soon, it's just horrible to leave him all upset!