Babysitting

I like Marilla's suggestion of the glove puppet. I think distraction will be the key. My granddaughter went to a lovely childminder but when she first went she would cry, and non of that laughing in 5 mins later after tears other posts here have suggested! she would cry for an hour or more!! My daughter was tearing her hair out wondering what to do when suddenly it stopped and it was all due to a dachsund! this little dog just snuggled up to her and she fell in love with the dog! the childminder was great and sent lots of little pictures and videos during the day.

As has been said, it will just take time. It's a massive shake up in the little one's routine, even if he is being left with a familiar, and loving, family member.

When I was a childminder, I had a 10 month old baby start with me when her mum went back to work. Every day, she would cry as soon as she got to the door, never mind waiting until mum had left - and continued crying almost non stop until mum came back to pick her up again.

This went on for almost a month, and I was just on the verge of saying to mum that I felt she needed to look for another childminder as I really didn't think the little one was going to settle with me, when one day, I opened the door and the little one beamed at me and held her arms out to me.

Mum cried. I cried. And the little one was so bemused by it, that the beaming smile soon turned to tears too.

But we'd turned a corner, and the little one stayed with me for five years. I am friends with her on Facebook now and I can't believe that the little girl I looked after is now at university and a beautiful young woman. (Filling up again now )

You still have a few weeks to prepare so based on experience with one of my children in particular, (I couldn't even go to the bathroom without a tantrum and the door being kicked repeatedly). I will share what worked.

If he feels confident that mum is always going to come back to him, then it's likely he'll be reasonably happy.

A brief, but consistent, routine farewell (hug and a kiss) followed by a quick and resolute exit. I resorted to leaving a special treat/small toy with the babysitter, so she had something new to distract her with after I left.

I can't stress enough that the important thing is for your GS to feel reassured that his Mum will always return. If he has an activity that coincides with yours at the end of the day, it will help him if he can connect the two (i.e. I'll meet you back here when you come back from the park). Toddlers don't have a clear reckoning of time, so you need to use a routine activity).

Having said that, coming back while he's still upset or after 5 min (he's just only calmed down) can re-set the drama all over again, because he hasn't had enough time to recover.

Initially, the longer he can be distracted, the more likely he'll remain reasonably happy for the remainder of the day. The more days pass, the sooner he'll adjust.

Best of luck

Does she bring him to your house. Is there anyone else that can bring him. When I was 16 I used to pick up two little girls to take to nursery. They were no trouble used to have a cuddle at the door and they were as good as gold all morning till mum picked them up. She took them they screamed and clung to her and then took an hour to calm down once she had left

Most children in their second year of life go through attachment problems.

For the first 18 months of DS's life I could hand him round like a parcel, he would go to anyone any where and be as sunny and happy as you could want.

Then around 18 months (it can be younger) he suddenly couldn't bear to have me out of his sight. I think every mother has experienced going to the loo, while toddler stands outside the door sobbing and crying for you.

A few months later, the phase passes and it is back to normal.

This is that phase, it will pass. All I can say, is soldier on.

Try changing the routine you normally have....when your daughter is leaving... go for a walk all together or something so that your grandchild associating you arriving with his mum going...

My son did this years ago. Cried, hanging on to legs. Had to peel him off. I then sobbed all way to work. Soon as I got there would ring, totally wrought. They would say, oh yeh he stopped crying two minutes after you left. Me a wreck, facing long shift. Him fine. Don’t worry. It’s just the handover that’s hard.

She shouldn't leave him he should leave her. So - for the trial periods where she is away for a short time make an excuse to take him out rather than letting the poor wee thing watch mummy leave. Its sounds like a tiny difference but psychologically it makes all the difference in the world. Then lots of distraction and all the adults need to man up. He's not being left in a gulag nursery for 15 hours a day...

Separation anxiety is a developmental stage he should show, so be reassured he is quite normal!

Could you look after him in his own home, or is this not an option? Might be less stressful all round! As others have said it is a phase and has happened to me even when looking after grandsons in their own home. Usually though if they are already upset or unwell. Good luck.

I had tears from all three of mine when they were a bit older and going to pre school. I used to feel so guilty as I left them crying only to call later to find that they had stopped the minute I disappeared!

My DGS had separation issues when small but got used to being with us in time. maddyone's suggestion of keeping Mum updated via messages (Whatsapp is great!) is a good one

As a childminder and granny minder, I have a few suggestions. Is it possible for you to spend the first day at their home, where the little one is in familiar surroundings?The second is to meet in the street with a pram. Get the mum to settle him into the pram and go for a walk immediately. He probably won’t notice she has gone.

I agree with sending photos and updates to the mum and dad during the day. As he is only coming once a week, you have to be prepared for it to take a little longer for him to settle. Don’t try to compensate by overwhelming him with distractions. The quieter and more matter of fact you are the better. Singing to him or sitting on the floor reading book, or you playing with his toys will likely arouse his curiosity.

Hopefully it won’t be long before he is looking forward to a day at your house.

Just to let everyone know that I have been looking after my grandson now for 6 weeks and it has worked out wonderful.I go to my sons house in the morning before he wakes up and when his parents leave for work I get him up,he doesn’t seem to mind that they are not there.so thank you all for your help

That is good to hear.