Separation anxiety 18 mo when going to Dad's

[Overthinker89]

Hey all, my 18 month old goes to his Dad's 2 nights during the week and we have experimented with alternate weekends as well but he is getting very bad separation anxiety when I leave him even if it's just me leaving the room so at the mo he is only at his dads 2 nights a week. Has anyone else navigated this while coparenting? I don't want to traumatised him by making him stay there at such a young age but equally I recognise the importance of him having a relationship with his Dad and having regular contact. At the mo his Dad has suggested he stays at mine most days but that he will come help with bedtime and play with him at mine on his "days" so my son is in his lost familiar environment. I'm not sure though - would welcome thoughts on how others navigated this. Thanks x

Sounds like a really good plan to me and it’s refreshing to hear of amicable mutual parenting, where you’re both thinking about the best interests of your 18 month old.

Your DS is very young and probably could benefit from a consistent place to sleep every night. Your ex partner coming to help with the routine a couple of nights a week, could help to prevent the separation anxiety, while building a bond between DS and his dad. It can’t hurt to try it, right? And overnight stays can happen when he’s a bit older and ready. Is there anything that would put you off the idea?

I think the Dad's idea is a good one, as long as your happy for him to be in your space. My ex does similar