16 month old started crying when left at nursery, he's been going there for 8 months??!!

[mamababa]

My DS (16 months) has always been a very sociable little soul, has been going to nursery since Sept and usually runs in without a backward glance at me, dives straight into breakfast etc. Last Monday he was fine. The day after, as soon as I put him in his chair for brekkie, he started crying and holding his arms up to me. Ditto every day since. I have called them and he's fine the rest of the day. Been a bit clingy at home too. Is this separation anxiety do we think or making me feel guilty (is he old enough to do this?) I'm finding it so stressful as he's never normally like this

It may be separation anxiety, that he is feeling unwell, that a familiar child is not longer there or that there is a new one. It could be basically anything that may be disrupting his routine. I wouldn't worry much. It will pass.

Sounds like separation anxiety, my DS had a similar problem, went to nursery for months without any problem and then at 18 months had a week or so of upset (although usually alright once settled). It stopped on its own but I remember me dropping off instead of DH as usual seemed to help, although I'm not sure why. Hope your DS soon settles down again.

I've had exactly the same problem. My DS (nearly 16 months) and has been going to nursery since he was 4 months old. Over the last couple of months, he's become much more clingy and starting to winge/cling when I try and go, and i have to 'unpeel' him from me. The nursery staff come and take him off me and distract him, and I know he's fine when I move away from him. I'm told it's just a phase - just make sure the staff are really good with him, and wave you off cheerfully. He's fine - it's just you that has to cope with the guilt. BTW, my DS is just brilliant at the guilt thing - and has been since he was very young!

There's something happens about that age - am no expert, so am not at all sure what, but I think it's to do with being more aware of the world and feeling you might have some say in how life spins. I remember DS starting to have major tantrums about things such as leaving the swings etc, at about that age. If he's fine after you've gone, then it's horrible but it's very natural.

thanks all, sounds like he's reached 'the age' DH can drop him off on Thurs when he next goes!!