Seperation Anxiety in Toddler Need Help!!

I have SO been there. It is heartbreaking but you habe to get her used to it and the staff. They will usually let her cry for 10 min before they get you. I let my DD bring a toy and a juice box. They had to kind of hold her for the first few minutes and then she starts playing. She does better when her older sister is there. Maybe do 30 min at first.

You're going to have to go there and hang out with her at least a few times before you can leave her on her own I think. It sucks but try getting her acclimated first by making 2-3 trips just to hang out there together. Then after she's more comfortable with the place, you can give her something special to keep her entertained and tell her you'll be back. Good luck!

I used to work in a Y Child Watch. You could find an employee that seems to connect well with your child and try to bring her when that gal is on duty, it helps a lot to have the same faces at first. Sometimes kiddos will just cry for a short time and the employees can distract them with a toy or puzzle to calm them down.

Good Luck,

M

Are her other siblings in there with her?
I think I read you have 3 kids?
It would be best to go when your other 2 kids could be there w/her (at least until she's a little older).
I took my son when he was 1 1/2.
Fine the first time.
The lady held him the whole time.
Second time he lasted 20 mins. He cried. They called me to pick him up.
They have a 10 mins rule.
Third time, I couldn't even get out the door.
I have decided to wait until he is older.
My husb had the same prob w/his dtr until she turned 4 1/2.
Then she was fine.
I will try back when my little guy is that age.
In the meantime, I do exercise videos when I can. It's way too sporadic.
I try to do some exercise on the wkends when husb home.
Or I try to go for a run/walk 2/3 times a week when he's home.

Make sure you talk to her to prepare her for what is happening. She can be told that she gets to go have fun with the other kids while you go workout. I agree that a tour is a good idea so she knows you are still close by. Ask her if there is something special she would like to bring with her, maybe a stuffed animal that she can hug tightly if she misses you. Good luck!

Have her take an activity backpack or special toy that will keep her entertained.

Have you left your daughter with others before leaving her in child care at the Y? My oldest had a tough time transitioning because she was with me all day every day. When we'd go somewhere new I'd usually stay with her for a short time to transition her. If I was in the same location I'd go back and stand outside the door to hear if there was any problems.

Could she bring along a toy or something that's comforting to her like a blanket?

If you really want this to work it is going to take a lot of time. I would go with her and just sit in the gym for a good hour and then leave together.
The next time you go sit with her for 55 mins and then leave for the last 5 mins so she is only left for the last 5 mins. This way she knows you will come back for her.
The next time do the same but leave her 10 mins. Keep doing this until she will let you drop her and do your workout. It will take a lot of work but will be worth it in the end if you can get your workout in. Good luck. It is never fun to see our kiddos upset.

Try taking her there and staying with her in the daycare for about an hour. Then go home with her. The next day, do the same. Also, take her for a tour of the gym so she knows exactly where you'll be and she has a visual image. It is not good enough to just tell her - show her.

Spending a couple of hours there with you and then her knowing exactly where you are, should help her feel more comfortable. Kids need to see where their parents are going, if possible. That way they have a visual image and it helps them to feel more secure. Imagine how you feel when you don't know where your kids are - they feel the same way when they don't know where you are!