WARNING: you’re about to witness some crazy mood changes up in here. Talk to your doctor if you’re pregnant, or have high blood pressure before reading further.
I just wanted a simple picture of the girls in their warmer outfits to say that the weather is getting a lot cooler over here, and I’m loving it. But I apologize if seeing these pictures alone just made your hormones go wild, or raised your cholesterol, but this is a regular at our household. What caused the initial crying you ask? Ana did not want a hug from her sister. Yeah….. I can’t blame it all on our two girl though, I’m probably more moody than them two combined. No wonder why Jay wanted a male dog and named him Achilles, right?
Ana has been going through some major separation anxiety lately and I don’t really know what to do because Adi has never gone through it before. I already took her out of her dance class because she does not want to leave my side. But preschool is something she has to go to, yet it breaks my heart when I drop her off and she cries and cries and cries while looking at me with her sad little eyes and reaches out for me while the teacher carries her and takes her away. She cries for about two minutes before she stops crying and she’s totally fine, but still, it makes me sad. If Jay drops her off at school she goes without any fret, it’s only when I drop her off. Did any of your kids go through separation anxiety? I would appreciate any tips you can give me to ease the anxiety, if you have any?
Mariska says
My daughter went through the same thing when she started first grade… The teacher came up with the idea to let her come a little early, and she got to 'help' the teacher, as distraction. I had to leave a.s.a.p. to not let her get the time to get herself upset. She would be fine within minutes. After a while, I could just drop her off and leave, without doing the extra stuff. So that method worked.
Mariska says
And I forgot to add: wishing you good luck, if you're anything like me, it might be harder on you than on her…
piggie1230 says
When I went to preschool I would cry when my mom dropped me off, and then cry when she picked me up. When I worked in a nursery, one of the most annoying things in the world was when the mom would stand in the doorway. We can distract the kid, but not with the parent reminding them that said parent is about to be gone.
What about having a playdate with some of the other kids in her class? If she has some friends there, she'll be excited to see them and will learn that school is "play with friends" time and home is "play with mommy" time.
The other major thing to do is remind her that you will come back for her. My parents would tell me stuff like "when the little hand is on the 3 we're going to…" because I couldn't read a clock. You could try doing the same thing – "preschool is over when the little hand is on 3 and the big hand is on the 6, and I promise mommy or daddy will be there to pick you" (or whatever)
When Jay takes her to school does she cry when she leaves? If so, she's probably going through a "cling to mommy" phase. If not, I'd bet she's getting some kind of reaction from you when you drop her off.
Emma Jo says
I just had my first boy after 4 girls! so I can totally understand that emotion roller coaster – sometimes the moods around here get CRAZY! π My youngest girl just started pre school and even though she is a total character, the second she gets around other people she shrinks into my side. I have a special little "E" on my keychain that I take off and let her keep while she is at preschool-then she gives it back when I pick her up. Sometimes giving them a little something special of yours for them to hold and keep helps. Good luck! Seriously beautiful girls.
Stephanie Mitchell says
I had separation issued, too. When I went to Kindergarten my my gave me a little doll to keep in my backpack so I would have a little friend with me all the time. She also gave me a locket with her picture in it so I could "see her" whenever I wanted. We're going through the same thing with our daughter going to nursery right now. The leaders all say she'll grow out of it…I hope they're right! π
Kelly says
Hahaha, poor little dear! These pictures are adorable, funny, and sad! Their little outfits are darling. I hope Ana grows out of her separation anxiety quickly! I'm sure it's hard on you.
Tiffany says
Hahah I love it!!! I just had my second girl and can't wait for the sisteryness to start… Or can I? π
monique_holladay says
I have 3 beautiful daughters too. I know exactly what you are talking about. So fun but so emotional.
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Selene says
My sons both went through it! But they were a lot littler! A lot of kids go through it…you can always tell at the start of the preschool year! But eventually they adjust and then we're the ones crying because they won't say goodbye to us or give us a wave even! Hate to see my younger son's adjustment though…he is attached to me! Not looking forward to that!
Sarah says
That is a great idea! I will ask her teacher next time, thank you so much for your tip!
Sarah says
Hmm, ana doesn't cry when I pick her up, but that's interesting! And having play dates is such a great idea! I will definitely do that! And all your other tips, I'm on it, thank you so much!
Sarah says
Wow, 4 girls!!! And I love your idea, I'm going to put something special in her backpack next week, thank you so much!
Sarah says
I love your ideas, so smart! I need to go buy a locket now, thank you!
Sarah says
Thank you Kelly! And yes, the pictures are all those emotions all at once haha! π
Sarah says
Haha, don't worry, it's more wonderful than it is crazy. π
Sarah says
So you can definitely relate and more! π
Sarah says
The funny thing is Ana was totally fine the first 2 weeks, she would say bye and not turn back! So I don't know why it's all of a sudden. But knowing it happens to many kids makes me not as nervous! haha
Dessy says
APPARENTLY I did this to my mother as well and my Grandma informed her that I was playing her like a fiddle! Hehehe.. But as the Nursery Director for my church and having worked in a daycare I've seen a ton of it. And the teachers AREN'T lying to you when they say two minutes and she's over it! I guess it's some sort of mind game that kids like to play with their parents (not always Mom) which is odd because at such a young age they still get that their emotions can possibly control someone else's actions.
tina says
i wonder if telling her she means the world to you, and you would never forget to get her would help? or maybe you have already? i nannied for alot of years, and sometimes you can talk things thru. i had one mom tell her son "you mean the world to me! and mommy loves you more than anything in the world! and would never ever forget to pick you up!" and i could see on his face, that he realized how special he was to her! sometimes they just need reassurance. but i loved the ideas about a locket!
Sarah says
Yes, little kids are so smart! That is an interesting take on the separation anxiety, thanks for your comment!
Sarah says
I love that idea, that is really cute and sweet! right after I read your comment, I went and talked to ana and told her that she means so much to me and that I'd never ever leave her and will always come get her after a short while. always. she smiled and said okay. π thanks for your comment, you're awesome!
steph nelsen says
marrin did that at preschool dropoff for a while at that age…actually, she did the same thing when i picked her up! she really just didn't like anything that wasn't her idea during that phase. the above comment is great advice! she got over it after a short while. hard on moms though!!
Sarah says
I think it's confusing that she'd cry when you pick her up, if it's separation anxiety, wouldn't she be happy that you two are not separated anymore? Anyway, other moms have told me it's common, I guess it's different for everyone. I hope mine will get over it soon too! π