When my son was younger, he used to adore going to daycare. However, one morning, he abruptly awoke and refused to go back. At first, I believed it was just a passing phase, but what I found out has left me feeling shaken.
Johnny, who is three years old, is my only child, and I am a single mother. Daycare was his favorite activity up until a few weeks ago. On the other hand, that abruptly changed one day.
Over time, he got more and more reluctant to leave. Up until I saw the facts for myself, I assumed it was nothing more than a temper tantrum. Johnny would wake up thrilled and loudly humming melodies that were completely meaningless whenever he had to go to daycare.
He would pack his backpack with miniature action figures that he was not permitted to carry, and then he would dash down the stairs while yelling, “Let’s go, Mommy!” He would almost drag me out of the house without my consent. Each morning was like a new and exciting experience for him. Nevertheless, if I’m being really honest, I couldn’t help but feel a little bit envious of the fact that my son couldn’t wait to get away from me and spend time with other people.
Despite this, I refused to hold it against him. I cherished the fact that he was in a secure environment that he couldn’t wait to return to. Then, however, on a Monday morning that was completely unplanned, everything shifted.
At the time, I was in the process of pouring my coffee. What a scream – a genuine one! that causes your chest to tighten up and become rigid.
After dropping my mug, which resulted in it being shattered, I sprinted up the stairs two steps at a time! Johnny was sobbing uncontrollably and hugging his blanket with both hands as he huddled in the corner of his room. His face was red and drenched with tears.
I quickly knelt down and inspected him over as my heart was beating. Baby, what exactly took place? Does it pain you?
To get ready to depart for daycare, my darling, we need to get something ready. “No, Mommy, no!” he yelled out as he gazed up at me with eyes that were gigantic and filled with panic. Do not force me to go!
I was perplexed and blinked. “Where are you going?”
It was as he attempted to cling to my knees that he cried out, “Daycare!” His voice broke on the word as he cried out. Please don’t force me to do that!
While I was holding him and rocking him till he became peaceful, I spoke soft things to him that did not feel like they were enough. I thought to myself that perhaps it was a nightmare. Either that, or he was very exhausted.
Is it true that toddlers have moods? My thoughts went through my head as I dismissed it. However, that was not the only day about it.
It was the following morning that he refused to get out of bed! As soon as I brought up the subject of childcare, his lip would start to shake. In the wee hours of Wednesday, he pleaded with tears to stay away.
Same thing happens each and every morning. There were screams of desperation, shaking, and despair. At the end of the day on Thursday, I was worried and fatigued.
Dr. Adams, our physician, was the one I phoned. In a gentle tone, she stated, “It’s normal.” This age group is prone to separation anxiety.
The story doesn’t end here — it continues on the next page.
Tap READ MORE to discover the rest 🔎👇
