Transition Crying!

[share]

Hello there... I have just opened my daycare and I have a 1 year old boy that is very cute and I want him to feel welcome in my home but this is the fourth day that he's in my care and he cries if he is not in my arms or every time I walk away to do something or when I pick up my little girl. The only time he doesn't cry is when he is eating, napping or I'm sweeping the floor lol. I was just wondering if this is typical behavior for babies that are separated from their mamas and will it end at some point as he gets used to my daycare? My daughter is not a crier unless something serious happens or she's tired for her nap or bedtime so I have no idea how to console him. Please help!

[ttremble88]

Yes. It is completely normal. It is mostly separation anxiety. It may take time for him to settle. A lot of it depends on how he is at home. Is he an only child and has his parents full attention? Has he ever been left with another 'strange' adult? What type of parenting is he used to? Attachment parenting? There are many factors that will effect the amount of time needed to settle. I would just reassure him that you are still there and that not leaving. Try sitting on the floor with him and play and slowly make some distance once he is occupied.

[5 Little Monkeys]

Yes, agree with tremble. I expect at least 2 weeks for the transition period. It's a new home, new children, new daycare provider, no parents etc. It's stressful for kids and they need time to adjust. Sometimes it takes kids less and sometimes more. Anything over a month is excessive in my mind and I would likely start to consider asking the parents to find alternate care at that time. Thankfully I haven't gotten to that point yet...close tho! lol

I had an all day every day crier for two weeks. He cried ALL the time, even during napping, eating, playing etc etc etc! I would let him sit on my lap for short periods of time and I would play with him and encourage him to play with the others. As soon as he cried off my lap he went. There were times his crying was so out of control I could do nothing else but put him in his playpen. He would calm down a bit, enough to come back out, and I would get him and start the process over again. After exactly 2 weeks, he was great and is now the easiest child in this group and doesn't even cry at drop off's anymore and often doesn't want to go home!

Good luck!! Try many different things until you find what works best for you and the child. Most of us if not all understand how hard it is to have a crier!! Oh and I also drank a lot of wine after work LOL and I'm not a drinker!!

[Spixie33]

Oh it is definitely normal. MOST transitions (Not all) last about 2-3 weeks where the child wants to be velcroed to you and will cry as soon as you are out of sight or touch.
It takes time for someone to feel safe and comfortable with you and to know that their parents come back every day.

It's hard to find a balance between holding him to reassure him and teaching him independence...it is a fine line.

Good luck though....eventually the child will settle in

[torontokids]

I have been lucky and never really experienced this. I find what works for me is that I actually hold the children very little. I interact with them and give them hugs but mostly I tell them to "go play with their friends" and I don't pick them up. They all settle in quickly and understand what things will be like at the daycare from day one. I think spending time outside is also key and gives them a chance to get a change of scenery/fresh air.