Childcare question

We have a new nanny this spring. She's only been coming since the beginning of the month on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30-4:00. She's a college student in her final semester of her internship. I like her a lot, she has already done some crafts with the girls, and she's been creative with meals and play time. Seems like another good fit!

Except that Alexis has freaked. out. the last two times she came over. Lexi is clingy in the mornings anyway, but she's been bawling when I put her down to leave and it is breaking my heart. Absolutely nothing seems amiss, so I am wondering if it's a stage? Maybe a delayed stranger-danger type of thing? Or perhaps she's still getting used to a new face? Help!

 

It is age appropriate separation anxiety. She knows you are leaving. I'd talk to her about how much fun she has with the nanny and talk about fun things they do together. Then maybe set up a good bye routine with her. Tell her "When Nanny gets here, mommy is going to give you two hugs and a kiss and then I need you to help me get to the door. I will be home when Oprah is on."


Your other option is the drop and run.

 

It sounds normal to me. They seem to go through phases of stranger danger. Maybe she could come a few minutes early while you're getting ready and keep the girls occupied while you sneak out the door? I don't really know what the best solution is, but it's sure no fun walking out the door when your baby kid is wailing! How is she after you leave?

 

Allie says she sniffles and mopes for a few minutes and then is distracted by her sister.

I guess I'll just keep talking through it and hope it gets better! They never went through this stage with the last girl (who was another incredible nanny) so it's tough to watch. And I'm a SUCKER for my baby needing me.

Sigh. This too shall pass...

 

Sounds totally normal. My little guys have been with the same sitter since they were 20 months - who we absolutely adore and love - and sometimes, even now, they will cry when I leave. Maybe once or twice a month and they are feeling needy, clingy, and needing mommy. When they were 2, it definitely happen off and on. It sucks!

Hang in there. :hug:

 

Another one saying its totally age appropriate seperation anxiety, I hope it doesnt last too long!
My kids have done this to me over and over and you have no idea how many times I drove off to work bawling in the car for leaving them....my dcp always told me that it was over with before I ever left the driveway and I always thought, she's just saying that so I will feel better. BUT once a monster of a fit occured terrible, horrible, and I ran to my car and realized I had left pull-ups on the front seat and ran them back up to the door...and guess what, my son was happily sitting at the table eating and talking, not even 30 seconds later!!!

Hang in there!! I like the suggestion of telling her what is going to happen before it happens. Good luck!

 

Totally normal! Riley hardly ever has these moments when I'm dropping him off, leaving him with Brandon or anyone for that matter, etc. Wyatt on the other hand..... I am to the pointing of sneaking out if at all possible! That boy just doesn't want me to go anywhere or do anything without him. Some days dropping him off at daycare I can barely get him to let go of me all while Riley is hoping around like a fool and having a crazy ole time. I could stand outside her door for a minute or two and then hear that he's over it and already playing and forgotten about me!!

 

Normal! My twins are at a daycare that we as a family have been attending for 6 years, so we trust them 100% and love them. DS has been crying when I drop him off in the mornings lately. The best thing you can do is have a very short goodbye ritual that you do everytime you leave, and stick to it. If you turn around to offer extra comfort, it just makes them cry longer the next day. You should text the babysitter five minutes after you leave and I'll bet you will find the crying has stopped.

 

I agree with everyone else. At that age it even happened when I left my girls with my parents! M would scream and cry for like 3 minutes and as soon as I was gone, she was fine. Now at almost 5 they have no issues with drop off to school, sitter's house, grandma's, etc. Hang in there :hug: