Oh yes, I believe in cry it out. It doesn't hurt them as long as they are monitored and know that you are there for them but they won't get a hug or any attention until they are done with their crap. I have a 4 1/2 year old boy who was sitting out this morning until he stopped crying about everything. Come on JK, ooops, sorry!

Anyway, he has gone through all of these dramatic Oscar winning phases with his Mom at the door and dropoff for over 3 years. I have tried everything but his Mom buys into his nonsense way too much. I know she tries really hard to be tough with him and I know she's listened to all my advice about everything, but there were many days when she had to leave him here having a full blown tantrum. I always told her not to worry because it would be short lived once she was out the door. Then he was always fine for the entire day.

But as Moms ourselves, we know that it's really difficult and heartbreaking to leave your child in that condition and go off to work without feeling completely stressed. We have to make sure the parents trust us completely and have all the confidence in the world that we will care for their child and help them learn to deal with the separation anxiety and we have to comfort the parent and the child. Sometimes I've sent a quick email to this boys Mom telling her he's fine and not to worry about a thing and have a good day. It's my way of taking care of the child and the Mom too. I was that Mom, so I know how she's feeling. I worked outside the home when my children were small.