I have a little 2 1/2 year old DCG (I've had her since January); she is a creature of habit and routine. When she arrives, her dad must walk her in, she must take her own shoes off, he must hold her hand going down the stairs (she can do this by herself also) and then she's bounding into the playroom happy and smiling into my arms without a backward glance at Dad & is a cuddly, happy, playful girl all day. BUT if this routine changes at all (if they happen to arrive late and we are already playing outside), only until recently she would cling to Dad & resist. Another weird thing; Mom is always the one to pick up...we are most always all playing a game or activity together (she's happy and smiling)...as soon as she sees Mom she turns into this whiny, clinging creature who will not leave unless her Mom gives her a treat.
So, anyway, today, is a day off for me and my 3 year old son and I were at our local park. DCG and her mom, as well as her friend (who has 2 sons starting with me in Sept) arrive to play at the park as well (this is actually the first time I have seen DCG outside of my daycare environment). I hold my arms out, very happy to see her...she immediately bursts into tears and clings to Mom (it wasn't routine). It broke my heart...and embarrassed me for sure (I'm thinking, what must she think if this little girl is scared of her Childcare provider?!). Both just laughed it off. I still have a sick feeling in my stomach.