Tips for separation anxiety (17 month old)

[mynameiscalypso]

I think DS (17 months) is going through a period of separation anxiety. He hasn't really had this before - it's particularly noticeable in terms of sleep (screaming if you try to leave the room, insisting on holding my hand the whole time) and at nursery (hysterics at drop off, sad and withdrawn during the day). I think it's a combination of factors including teeth, going back to nursery after spending a month or so at home with us, lockdowns meaning he's spent even more time with us than he would normally and then his favourite key worker at nursery being on holiday. It's all perfectly understandable but is there anything to do other than ride it out?

I started back at work on Monday so don't really have a choice about sending DS to nursery and he loved it there before Christmas (he started in September; this has only been an issue since the Christmas break). But I felt serious guilt when one of the staff asked me today if anything had happened over Christmas because DS had been so unlike himself for the last few days. DS is at home with me on Thursdays so I'm planning to smother him with attention tomorrow. He loves playing hide and seek and peekaboo too so will do plenty of that. Anything else that anyone has tried that has helped? He's such a happy boy usually that it just breaks my heart.

If he's teething OP is he getting plenty of relief for that?

Does he have a security blanket or particular cuddly toy which he can form an attachment to? A soft, warm, and cuddly item which smells familiar and which he can have with him constantly might help to some extent.

@JiltedJohnsJulie

If he's teething OP is he getting plenty of relief for that?

Definitely. We mainly give nurofen although alternate with calpol if it's really bad. The teething seems to be a bit quieter at the moment thankfully.

@Fivemoreminutes1

Does he have a security blanket or particular cuddly toy which he can form an attachment to? A soft, warm, and cuddly item which smells familiar and which he can have with him constantly might help to some extent.

I had exactly this thought too and have just bought him a soft penguin toy (he loves penguins) which he looked delighted with so I'm hoping that will help. Most of his attachments at the moment seem to be to random bits of Tupperware or his favourite bottle of sesame oil which are not massively practical 😂 I'm so glad you said this though as it gives me some reassurance I'm on the right lines.

@mynameiscalypso OMG this made me laugh, so SO relatable Most of his attachments at the moment seem to be to random bits of Tupperware or his favourite bottle of sesame oil which are not massively practical

Hope it gets better for you and for him, my one was like this when he was 9m (he is 14m now and still shy, but with a nanny).

I dread him starting the nursery when they reopen (he has had a space since Jan).