Toddler wakes up wanting mommy who went to work

[Jdza]

My husband and both work full-time and I leave before 7 in the mornings so that I can pick up my 2-year old toddler in the afternoons at 4.30. Lately she's been crying for me when she wakes up and totally rejects her dad. I don't know what to do. It is heartbreaking hearing her crying as I leave the house. Would it be better to wake her up earlier to spend 30 minutes with her and then risk her crying all the same when I leave or should we just let her get used to being with daddy in the mornings? I really need proven advice! Thank you. X

My toddler used to do the same, I was leaving a little later than you though so I just always went in before I left to kiss her good morning, told her daddy was there. Might work for you? Wake her gently with kiss but then just go?

It’s just a phase, my toddler cries when my husband goes to work. My older two did the same for a while, I just reassure that daddy will be home later and distract him with something else.

Thank you for your responses. I will try to see if I can wake her up earlier and see if that works. I wonder if it would be useful to record a little video or something on my phone for daddy to play when she wakes up? Has anyone every tried something like this?

I work shifts, so when my boys were little I left when they were asleep and their daddy got them up and ready for nursery/school. He had to deal with everything they threw at him those days for 12 hours as I’m a nurse and Work 12 hour shifts so were asleep when I got home. My boys, as a result are incredibly close to their dad which is fab and your daughter will settle down and enjoy the time spent with her daddy, he just needs to find ways of soothing her and having fun in a morning. Don’t worry too much although I know it’s hard to hear them cry for you, they have 2 parents.

Thank you so much Kaykay, those are very reassuring words and it helps to know that this has brought them closer together.