Any suggestions for a 2 year old who has separation anxiety?

Hello!

I would like to know your stories and suggestions for a 2 year old who has separation anxiety. I am looking at putting her in daycare 1 day a week to begin with but am worried that after the first half hour once the newness of it all wears off she will freak out and break down. Just wanting to know how other bubs went who have separation anxiety and what you did to help it along. I think I am getting anxiety feelings over how she will cope also now. Her sister will be there until the end of the year plus I have a bub at home so I can’t stick around for the morning and see how she goes.

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8 replies
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- - mom493188, NSW said
  - 22 Jun 2023
    3:22 pm
Do it gradually – make the first an hour or two, and gradually increase it. Ask if she can visit her sister lots.
- - mom160421, NSW said
  - 26 Jan 2019
    3:10 pm
I like mom73211’s suggestion about gradually getting your child used to separation with a friend or family member.
- - Ellen, NSW said
  - 02 Jan 2018
    8:08 am
Sepration anxiety is normal at that age. My 4 yr old has Down syndrome and still cries when I go upstairs to get something. That doesn’t mean I don’t go upstairs without her. I just go and say “you’re alright” and keep in conversation with her while I leave. She started day care when she was 3 and is till the day of today very clingy when I’m about to leave. I give big cuddles before we leave to drop her off an only say a brief good bye when I leave, knowing she’s ok as soon as have left.
To ease separation :
Practice separation. …
Schedule separations after naps or feedings. …
Develop a “goodbye” ritual. …
Keep familiar surroundings when possible and make new surroundings familiar. …
Have a consistent primary caregiver. …
Leave without fanfare. …
Minimize scary television. …
Try not to give in.
- - mom81879, NSW said
  - 29 Nov 2015
    12:35 pm
My son was the same at that age. I went along for the first couple of times (with baby in tow!) and stayed. I gradually reduced my stay time. He took a little while but eventually settled in…..and my baby enjoyed the time too!
- - Huda, NSW said
  - 14 Oct 2014
    12:48 am
My daughter is 2 and she started going a year ago.. I was also anxious but she exceeded my expectations. She has a comfy which she took everyday, made her feel secure. Start taking her there early for a few hours a day before you start work so you can pick her up if she’s uncomfortable. Let her take some of her favourite toys with her so she can feel a bit at home.
- - mom73117, NSW said
  - 06 Oct 2014
    8:28 pm
I can totally understand your worry as I worry too whenever I leave my child. I do think a gradual separation is ideal for both mum and child. Good luck.
- - mom73211, NSW said
  - 04 Oct 2014
    9:44 pm
Maybe ask a friend to watch your little one for half an hour, gradually increasing the time away from you. It sometimes takes time for them to adapt to the change, but it will take time for you to both adjust.
- - Renni, NSW said
  - 02 Oct 2014
    8:56 pm
Maybe start small and work your way up. A few hours, then half a day, then a bit more and finally the whole day. If you can, buy a spare or two of her favourite toy and let her take one to daycare.