separation anxiety? wwmmmd?

[longtimenopost]

For the past year, DD (2) has gone to the gym daycare with DH 3x a week. She's not in regular daycare, so it's really her only exposure to other kids besides story and music time at the library with my mom. However, DD recently decided she hates it. According to DH, it started with her going in happily but she'd be crying when he picked her up. Then she all of a sudden started saying "NO" when he asked if she wanted to go to the gym to play with her friends. He's tried to take her back twice now and she starts crying immediately, so he takes her home. 

What would you do? Try leaving her once to see if she gets over it? To make it MM, it's $50 a month and we really only have the membership so DD can get exposure to other kids. DH could exercise in other ways. 

[Deleted]

I would keep trying. My son is a few months younger but he just started doing this to us daily...even though he's been in full time daycare since he was 4.5 months old and I'm hoping it's just a phase.

Do the caretakers say she eventually calms down and plays?

Does she have a lovey?

Anyway if your husband still wants to go to the gym I'd keep trying.

[longtimenopost]

Apr 28, 2015 9:24:36 GMT -5 @notquiteblushing said:

Do the caretakers say she eventually calms down and plays?

He hasn't gotten to ask. The times she was crying at pick up he just wanted to get her out of there. Today he decided he was taking her no matter what but caved when she started crying and couldn't leave her . I'm a little disappointed because today would've been a good day to try since it's raining and the toddlers and preschoolers would be inside with her. Often they go to the outside play area and she has to stay behind with the babies because she doesn't walk. It never used to bother her, but maybe it does now? IDK.

[loreleigilmore]

I'd walk her in and watch a little bit. I'd also offer a transition food. My son does so much better if he is given a little snack to transition into day care. I bring a tube of yogurt for him.

[lolo]

This also happened with my DD recently and she'll be two next month. I think it's just phase but I've been trying to give her extra cuddles and attention outside of school.

[NandaB]

I will be the stone cold hearted one I guess I would just leave her. I know that its hard, but they are almost always perfectly fine very soon after you leave, and it only gets easier the more you do it

I would absolutely NOT hang out and watch or go in and play, because that sets the precedent that that is what happens. Unless your husband is paying gym membership to play with your kid it just seems like something she would get used to and then would have to get used to not having again.

Its not totally new, she has played there before. Its just a phase.

[jeaniebueller]

Apr 28, 2015 12:00:28 GMT -5 NandaB said:

I will be the stone cold hearted one I guess I would just leave her. I know that its hard, but they are almost always perfectly fine very soon after you leave, and it only gets easier the more you do it

I would absolutely NOT hang out and watch or go in and play, because that sets the precedent that that is what happens. Unless your husband is paying gym membership to play with your kid it just seems like something she would get used to and then would have to get used to not having again.

Its not totally new, she has played there before. Its just a phase.

Ditto. You need to be all business about it. Make your goodbye short and sweet and don't drag it out even if the tears flow. I guarantee that within minutes of you leaving her, she is fine.

[longtimenopost]

Apr 28, 2015 12:00:28 GMT -5 NandaB said:

I will be the stone cold hearted one I guess I would just leave her. I know that its hard, but they are almost always perfectly fine very soon after you leave, and it only gets easier the more you do it

I would absolutely NOT hang out and watch or go in and play, because that sets the precedent that that is what happens. Unless your husband is paying gym membership to play with your kid it just seems like something she would get used to and then would have to get used to not having again.

Its not totally new, she has played there before. Its just a phase.

He swears this is what he's going to do on Thursday morning, but we'll see!

[longtimenopost]

Thanks, ladies! I think DH is more of a softy than I am. But when I drop her off, it's usually at Grandma's and she couldn't care less if I ever come back 

[lolo]

If it helps, he can tell her that he'll leave for a few minutes and if she's still upset, he'll come back.

[NandaB]

Tell him to be strong!