Child who took a step back - what do you do ?

I have a little girl 2 y.o. who has been here for 2 months now. Of course when she first started, coming in the morning was a little hard, she was sensitive, not playing much with friends at the beggining... all the norm for a starter.

After the first week things got easier, she was happy to come in the morning, got along great with the other friends but still always kept to herself when playing.

She's not a full-timer, weeks can be here 2 days-3 days-4 days... but she still got use to the routine I think.

This week has been different. She sits by herself, or even stand in the middle of the room not moving and friends play around her and she just watches them. The other day I said ''go play with the friends'' in a nice voice, nothing mean and she just started crying. This morning she cried when mom left (every morning this week she tried climbing onto mom so she wont leave). In all, this week has been as if its her first week in daycare, its very strange to me ??! :huh:

She eats well and naps well. If we play in group play, she participates very well, when we sing songs also... well anytime I'm playing along she will play, but if I leave her to it, she just stops moving... If I take her in one spot and stand her in another spot she just stands there, not moving.

She's old enough and she's been here long enough not to have me on her side constantly no ?!?!

What would you do ?

First, I would ask the Mom if there has been any change in routine at home and if she can offer any advice since she knows her child best. Then I would probably try to change the start of the day a tiny bit if possible, starting the day with a few songs or sitting together to talk about the day, something like that. Since she is 2 years old she should be receptive to whatever you decide to do, she's not a baby and she's old enough to know that she can manipulate her Mom and you. But she's also old enough to learn that you are not falling for this trick. It will take some time but you can do this.

Yah, I know she doesnt have the most normal lifestyle like others, they live here weekdays and live there weekends... mom and dad work two different cities. But she was fine in the beginning so... thought she was use to her lifestyle.

Last time I spoke to mom about her different behaviour, she sent me a page of reading on children development... seriously ?!!! I wasnt sure how to take it !

It could be something as simple as she's just not feeling the greatest. If her body's fighting something, that can suck the life out of a little person. I wouldn't read too much into it at this point. If it goes on for a long period, then maybe something's up. But for now, it could be something as mundane as an impending bug. I think, also, that kids can get into a funk as easily as we can. I know for myself, depending on the weather or different factors, it can affect my mood and sometimes I'm just not as cheerful as I usually am. I have times when I'm more sensitive and emotional than others, and there's not really anything specific causing it. I would imagine kids go through some of the same. I'd just give her lots of hugs and cuddles and see if she doesn't just come around on her own.

Huh? Oh dear, that would be a little insulting but hopefully she meant to be helpful. We are always learning in one way or another aren't we in our business? But if you have a parent who thinks you are stupid you are better off without that family. The poor child must be so confused with her busy parents but you can provide the stability for her and now that I have this bit of info I would suggest routine, routine, routine at daycare to instil that feeling of consistency for the child.

I've had parents in the past who told me they can't figure out how I keep the children on their schedules, even after 2 weeks of vacation. I keep telling them how important the routines are for the children and how they actually look forward to knowing how their days play out and what to expect next. 5 children falling asleep within a few minutes of each other daily is not an accident. Magic word - ROUTINE!