Seperation anxiety

[hisbloodformysins]

I work 3 nights a week, and leave at 6 pm. My son knows this and becomes clingy to me, needed to be held constantly and whining and crying while I'm trying to get ready. And he cries so severely when I leave, reaching his arms out to me. This makes me feel so bad. I can tell that even on my nights off he gets nervouse in the evenings or other times when he thinks I'm going to leave. Is this going to traumatize him for life?? Is he going to be insecure because of this?? I don't want him feeling abandoned. Lately we've been putting him to bed for a late nap before I get ready so that I don't have to experiance the pain of leaving my son. It is so stressful. Does anyone have any comments??

 

[Tangnefedd]

Most children go through this phase and they are not traumatised for life. However, I am a bit concerned after your last thread about your husband being too harsh with your son. Does your husband sit with him while you are working? Could your son be frightened of being left with your husband? Usually children are happy to be left with either parent. My two year old grandson adores his daddy, and their time alone together is always special.

 

[Andry]

I can completely relate!!!!

My son is 4, and it's been a real battle leaving the house each morning to go to work for the past month. I've had to explain to him very articulately of why daddy needs to go to work now. Every time I drop him off at day care, at his grandparents - every single place that most kids love going to, he doesn't want me to leave. And these discussions with him are long, tiresome, and emotionally draining once I actually get to leave. I never leave him in tears, since I make sure we get over that part first. But geez, afterwards when I'm in the car or at work, I feel really really awful.

My wife, who's off to work before he wakes up, does not have this issue.

I know part of the reason is my mother-in-law - who lives with us and is our 'sitter, and just adores him - is away for a couple of months. So needless to say I can't wait for her to return in a couple of weeks!!

My thoughts? I think kids are resilient, and they'll get over it!