I just wanted to say that the little boy I worked with most recently had this exact same issue. I watched him three full days per week starting at 5 months of age until he began preschool (just shy of three years old). Saying goodbye was easy, right up until he was 18 months old, and then it was almost exactly as you're describing. He would scream and cry, and his mother would have to physically restrain him from running after me. At first I thought it was sweet and cute, but after the first week it was obviously very frustrating for everyone involved.

It was a phase and it did eventually get better. I'm a bit afraid to tell you in this particular case the behavior persisted for several months, which was not fun! But I think most kids wouldn't persist with it for so long. The most effective strategy was distraction -- NOT distraction to the point that I was sneaking out without saying goodbye though! MB would have something "fun" planned; some days it was the new high five magazine that came in the mail, other days a new tub of playdough, or pictures that arrived in the mail from grandma, etc. Before MB even said hi to him she would show him and tell him about the fun activity (because sometimes just the sight of her would start the meltdown). I would still be there whike they began the activity, but once he was really interested in it, I would just say "goodbye!" and go out the door. Sometimes he still screamed, but more and more he would just look at me go and go right back to the activity.

Snack time was also sometimes an effective distraction. I'd expect that no matter what you do, at least at first, he will still scream regardless. But know that eventually it will get better, and I do recommend distraction, just not sneaking out.

I wouldn't worry too much about this.

He is just going through a toddler stage + this too shall pass.

The upside is that you know that your baby boy is getting awesome care while you are not at home and that he is not only being well cared for, but he is well-loved as well.

I say win win!!~

It's a phase. Give it a couple more months and when you leave in the morning it will be the same thing.

Don't take it personally, you will always be number one.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't do the good bye routine just leave. Same with parents just leave.

Kids need routines. They need something they can understand and count on.

He is 16 months old. That is not a kid. It seems rather unhealthy at this point. Causing him anxiety. I would stop doing it as it clearly upsets him. The dad should distract him and the nanny leaves.

This is terrible advice! Every baby book and article I've read on separation anxiety has said that it's a bad idea to sneak out on a child when he is distracted. That will make the anxiety worse. He won't want the nanny to ever leave his sight because he'll worry she will disappear.

Then fire the nanny. Issue done simple as that.

God, you are a fool, PP. Just shut up now.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't do the good bye routine just leave. Same with parents just leave.

Kids need routines. They need something they can understand and count on.

He is 16 months old. That is not a kid. It seems rather unhealthy at this point. Causing him anxiety. I would stop doing it as it clearly upsets him. The dad should distract him and the nanny leaves.

This is terrible advice! Every baby book and article I've read on separation anxiety has said that it's a bad idea to sneak out on a child when he is distracted. That will make the anxiety worse. He won't want the nanny to ever leave his sight because he'll worry she will disappear.

Then fire the nanny. Issue done simple as that.