All He Does Is Cry

I read all the other posts, and there is some great advice. I just wanted to add too, that your "military" situation might also play into your son's reaction to you taking him to childcare. My husband frequently comes and goes in the Air Force and I found that in and around that time, my kids act strange! You're probably your son's only "constant," so when he sees you leaving him too, even if only for an hour, it probably throws him off track.

I agree that you should just keep doing what you're doing by taking him consistently. I think eventually, in another couple of weeks, he will catch on that that's just how it is, and maybe by then he'll be comfortable with the situation.

Good luck!

At that age, he wants to do what he wants to do, but you have to make sure that he understands who the parent is. Be firm, and as tempting as it is, don't give in to fit throwing--it only makes them worse. When my kids were that age and didn't want to leave, for example, the park when it was time to go, I would tell them you can slide 3 more times and then we are leaving. That seemed to help them behave better because they knew what to expect, and as soon as those 3 slides were done, I didn't have the tears and whining that I would get if I said it's time to go right now. You might try something like that--tell him he can do 2 more things and then it's time to leave. Remember that kids that young can't tell time, so telling them you're leaving in five minutes means nothing to them, but telling them in a way they understand can help them get ready to make the transition from play time to time to go. Good luck, and please tell your husband that we are very proud of him for serving our country and hope he's home safe and sound very soon!

Hi there D.,

Do you and your son have other opportunities where he can be social? It sounds like he really enjoys the social interaction and the chance to play with toys and things that are different than what he is used to. Maybe if you guys start going to a play group or something close by, he won't feel quite so sad when leaving the gym.

Also, maybe you could try a little reasoning? You could find something special that he likes to do with you at home. Then when it is time to leave you can tell him that you need to get home quickly so that you guys can play your special game or do your special project. My 3 year old daughter and 4 year old step son, LOVE playing with beads. I just bought some pipe cleaners and beads at the dollar store and they make all sorts of bracelets and decorations and things. Just a suggestion. ;)

Good luck to you!

C.
www.EnhanceYourWayOfLife.com

Congraqdulations! you have a social bug! I have been there. I have three kids of my own, my oldest daughter (now seven) never wanted to miss a thing. This of course meant a dramatic fit nearly everytime we left anywhere, Grandmas, aunties, Daddy's work, Even the playland at McDonalds. I thought it would never end. ultimatly I stood my ground. I remained firm. I would look at her in her eyes and tell her that it was time to go and explained to her how we were "quietly" going to go to the car with out making a scene. she usually agreed all the way to the door. At this point thae crying and kicking would usually start. Ignore it all. Simply put her in the car strapped her in then turn on the radio. It really is harder on you than on anybody else. I really don't know how long it took for her to stop with the fits, (seemed like forever probably about 2-3 weeks) but we can happily walk in and out anywhere. Best wishes to you.

I am suffering the same thing. My 18 m/old won't go to the daycare at the gym. I would see what your pediatrician says. Mine said to avoid this situation during this phase of stranger anxiety that lasts till around 18 mos. I should be able to take her back there, but I know she won't be content with the scary bigger kids that will knock her over. I'd say the only cure is time. I know it takes me about 6 months to adjust to a new environment. ;)

make sure that the daycare teachers can give him a 5 minute warning before you show up. "In 5 minutes, your mommy will be picking you up and then you'll get to come back tomorrow." My three year old has horrible meltdowns if she doesn't know what is going to happen ahead of time. Or you can send a little timer with him that they can put up on a shelf and he'll know he's got a few minutes before you get him when it goes off. Good luck!