Hi everyone, I am a first-time parent to a 2-year-old toddler who is struggling with separation anxiety. Every time I drop him off at daycare or leave him with a babysitter, he cries and clings to me. It breaks my heart to see him upset and it also makes it difficult for me to leave. I have tried to reassure him and tell him I will be back soon, but it doesn't seem to help. I am wondering if any other parents have had a similar experience with their toddlers and how they dealt with it? Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I completely understand how you feel. My twin toddlers experienced separation anxiety around the same age. My husband and I had to be extra patient and sensitive to their emotional needs.
One thing that helped us was setting up a reward system. We would offer a small treat or a fun activity, such as playing with their favorite toys, when they successfully parted ways without fuss. This positive reinforcement served as a motivator and made drop-offs much easier.
Another thing that was helpful was adjusting our language. Instead of saying "I have to go to work," we would say "I will be back soon." This change in language reassured them that we would return and helped them to relax.
Finally, communication was essential. We would talk to their daycare teachers about their separation anxiety and create a plan to ease them into their daily routine. This created a sense of continuity and provided a seamless transition from home to daycare.
Remember that every child is different, and eventually, things will get better. Don't hesitate to try different strategies until you find what works best for you and your child.