Hi there. This is my first time posting, but I am in great need of advice (I've seen similar threads, but I need to vent as well). I had an 11 month old start part time (07:30-12:30) at the end of October. Her mother mentioned that M has never really been away from her and has a hard time even being with her grandmother alone.

I thought that I could handle anything! However, M screeches and cries angrily 85% of the morning if I am not holding her, and if another child wants a hug or to sit in my lap, it sets M off even worse. I cannot walk away to prepare something, greet another child, etc. I believe that it is starting to affect the other children, as they are having a hard time at drop off now, when they have been excited to arrive in the past.

The mother is very sweet and understanding, and believes that it is akin to some kind of "sibling rivalry" thing and says that we will figure something out. I have been trying for 6 or 7 weeks and I don't know how much more I can take.Mother keeps saying that M "has really only been here for a month..." In the first few weeks she asked if crying so much was normal, and I told that for a while it is, but if it goes on for months, then the situation would need to be reevaluated (she agreed). It is taking an emotional toll on me, and I find myself being less patient with the other children, especially my daughter.

I feel like a failure and that I'm doing something wrong. I have worked in daycare centres in the past, and at least there there is another staff member who can take over and lend support when there is a "difficult" child. I am all alone and I don't think I can give this child, and now the others, the care and attention she needs.

Any input would help. Thank you!