Sudden crying at drop off

[michellesmunchkins]

At that age, my first thought is always has something changed at daycare? new kid transitioning, did they have a potty training accident, was it a bad day recently for the other kiddos...if nothing has changed there, has something changed at home...parents fighting, new baby in the family (even if not a sibling, my son hates my sisters new baby and he's 5 lol), did they change his/her room. So many things that we think are little can upset a 4 year old.

If nothing has changed it could just be behaviour. They want to stay home with mom/dad and think that crying at drop off will somehow allow that.

I have a 2 year old who is doing it now...nothing has changed but his behaviours. Mom and Dad report some pretty bad behaviours at home and now he has started crying at drop off again. Totally fine within seconds, but has now learned how to manipulate mom. I don't feel bad or guilty about it because I know its just a manipulation with him...he plays just fine all day and has a great time, laughs and smiles. I feel bad for Mom though because she always leaves wondering so I text her within a couple minutes to say he is fine...

[Emily3]

At that age, my first thought is always has something changed at daycare? new kid transitioning, did they have a potty training accident, was it a bad day recently for the other kiddos...if nothing has changed there, has something changed at home...parents fighting, new baby in the family (even if not a sibling, my son hates my sisters new baby and he's 5 lol), did they change his/her room. So many things that we think are little can upset a 4 year old.

If nothing has changed it could just be behaviour. They want to stay home with mom/dad and think that crying at drop off will somehow allow that.

I have a 2 year old who is doing it now...nothing has changed but his behaviours. Mom and Dad report some pretty bad behaviours at home and now he has started crying at drop off again. Totally fine within seconds, but has now learned how to manipulate mom. I don't feel bad or guilty about it because I know its just a manipulation with him...he plays just fine all day and has a great time, laughs and smiles. I feel bad for Mom though because she always leaves wondering so I text her within a couple minutes to say he is fine...

Hi! My thoughts too but absolutely nothing has changed, here or at home!! All he says is that he wants mama. He too is fine as soon as door closes behind Mom but really, he is 4!!

[michellesmunchkins]

Hi! My thoughts too but absolutely nothing has changed, here or at home!! All he says is that he wants mama. He too is fine as soon as door closes behind Mom but really, he is 4!!

Sounds like he's trying to play Mom to me. Kids are smart! They figure out quite quickly how to play their parents and if his crying is making her feel bad, or if she is responding to it with the oh my poor baby, or its ok and extra hugs and kisses then she is playing into it.

How does the Mom react? I had to tell the mom of the little guy I have to stop with all the lovey dovey extra hugs and mommy loves you and please stop crying because really it was only making it worse. She no sooner got in her car and he was done and smiling. Once she stopped falling for the drama his tears were way less and most days now he doesn't even bother because neither one of us react to it anymore.