Inconsolable 2 Year Old

[just_peachy]

I know this subject has been exhausted before, but I don't want to take time away from the kids to search for it.

I have a new 2 year old who started today. He is going on an hour of inconsolable crying now and I feel so sad for him. He hasn't been away from his mom before. He can't be distracted at all. I keep just letting him know I'm there, and reminding him that his mom WILL be back. Besides that, what else can I do?

I also feel bad for his mom, I know she's a mess too. Should I tell her the extent of the devastation he's going through today? I know in his eyes it's the end of the world, and I don't have a problem listening to him crying, it doesn't stress me out in the least. His mother's reaction worries me more, .

Poor guy... I've had lots of kids before him, but none have done this. I feel so lost that he feels lost!

[Blackcat31]

Do you have other DCK's? That kind of crying is really hard on them so please consider their feelings too.

Also, did the mom try and wean him into care at all? Like doing half days or drop in care before expecting him to manage an entire day without her for the first time ever?

I wouldn't tell exactly how bad it was but I would definitely be honest and tell her it was really tough.

Ugh, I just termed a kid a week in to the two week trial period for this same reason. It was just too hard on everyone. The crying child, the other kids and me...even though I didn't think it bothered me as much as it really did.

Poor little fella.

[daycarediva]

poor guy! I agree, a transition would have been easier on him. I took a kid from nanny care and did 2 hours in the am for a week, then 1/2 days (p/u after lunch) and then full days by week three. He cried for the first week, then realized "she will come back". When he gets upset, he still cries for his nanny, but at 3.5 he can talk enough now to calm down and tell me himself when she is coming.

I would tell Mom that he was very upset, (not go into details about the severity and duration). Is it possible she do 1/2 days to start?

[just_peachy]

I'll ask about the half days! I think Grandma may be able to help with those.

He was over here twice for a "playdate" where Mom stayed, and twice he was dropped off for an hour. During the hour drop-offs, he was fine for about 30 minutes, then he got sad but allowed me to cuddle and comfort him.

I expected today to be the same way, but apparently not. It was from the moment Dad left. I wonder if the drop-off parent made a difference?

I have 2 other kids normally, both 3yo, and my daughter who's 3.5 until my boys come home from school at 2. Luckily, they're best friends and get along really well. They were really concerned at first, but now they've excused themselves to the playroom to play while DCK and I walk around the house looking at stuff.

Sigh...

Thanks, guys. I'd really really hate to see him go, he's my only full time kid, and we need the income. But I know no amount of $ is worth everyone's sanity! We'll see how the rest of the week goes.