Separation Anxiety at 18 Months

[Anonymous]

DD is 18 months and, in the last week or so, has developed separation anxiety. We thought perhaps we were going to avoid this phase because it hasn't been a problem until now. I will say this - DD goes to day care three times a week and recently changed rooms and I think the stress of that is a contributing factor. She has changed rooms once before, but this time it comes with lots of new experiences like playing outside in the toddler area playground with more activity. Although she couldn't wait to join the "big" kids outside, now that she has she's not comfortable with it and cries. The first couple weeks when things were new she was happy with the change. Now, three or so weeks later, she cries hysterically when we drop her off and the teachers have said it's taking a lot to calm her down. Yesterday she cried on and off all day long. At home, she won't let me leave the room without getting upset.

I know this phase is normal for many and for some peaks about now, but any reassurance from others who have been through this and beyond it would be such a relief to hear about!!

[Anonymous]

My DS went through this at around 16/17 months when he transitioned to the toddler room at daycare. It lasted about 2-3 weeks and now he is fine - waves goodbye to us happily when we drop him off. It's hard, but it does pass...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DD is 18 months and, in the last week or so, has developed separation anxiety. We thought perhaps we were going to avoid this phase because it hasn't been a problem until now. I will say this - DD goes to day care three times a week and recently changed rooms and I think the stress of that is a contributing factor. She has changed rooms once before, but this time it comes with lots of new experiences like playing outside in the toddler area playground with more activity. Although she couldn't wait to join the "big" kids outside, now that she has she's not comfortable with it and cries. The first couple weeks when things were new she was happy with the change. Now, three or so weeks later, she cries hysterically when we drop her off and the teachers have said it's taking a lot to calm her down. Yesterday she cried on and off all day long. At home, she won't let me leave the room without getting upset.

I know this phase is normal for many and for some peaks about now, but any reassurance from others who have been through this and beyond it would be such a relief to hear about!!

We're going through it now with our son who's 15 months. He's very very attached to me-I know he's going through a stage, but it upsets me. He adores his daddy, loves his nanny, but even then, he'll cry if I leave the room when he's with one of them. It makes me feel so guilty.