Help with transitioning!

[cfred]

I've had to do this many times....and it's always unpleasant with a child who's never been with anyone but Mom and Grandma. Just hang in there. It'll get better eventually. For some reason, it just magically ends

In the meantime, just be there for her, cuddle her if she wants it but never force yourself on her. One thing I often do is find out what some of her favourite activities are, then do that activity beside her. It's worked for a couple kids...they saw what I was doing and slowly started to join me over time. Another tactic I try after my efforts at home are unsuccessful (this is not for the faint of heart) -- take the kids out somewhere different, unfamiliar. Perhaps tea at a friend's house, a trip to the mall, a place centre....whatever. In this new setting, YOU become what's familiar to the transitioning child. I've had significant success with this, but only use it after a few weeks of toughing it out at home. It doesn't always work, but often does when the child begins to see you as the source of familiarity and comfort. And play it out totally....scoop her up, give her hugs and kisses, etc. Let her sit with you the whole time if necessary. It will only get better from there because now she sees that you're okay

Good Luck! Oh.....have a bottle of wine ready for the end of the day....that helps too.