Toddler suddenly doesn’t want to go to nursery

My little girl is just over 2.5 years old, and has been going to nursery for 3 days a week since she was 1. She has always been happy to go in, but the last two sessions she’s been upset when I drop her off and I don’t know why. I’ve tried asking her but she doesn’t tell me why she is upset. She has been extra emotional for the past week in general, things have been making her cry that wouldn’t usually bother her, and she has been having meltdowns about stuff that wouldn’t usually trigger her. Anyone experienced this with their toddler? Was there anything triggering it or do you think it’s just normal emotional development?

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Yes i am right here! My son just wont leave my side now. He used to run to day care. They do say around 2/2.5 they really start to get separation anxiety. It breaks my heart dropping him off now

@Cerys thanks for sharing. Sorry you are in the same boat, it’s heartbreaking 💔 But sounds like maybe it is a development thing then rather than something happening to trigger it at least. I leave her at nursery and then cry all the way home 🥺

Its really not easy i feel so guilty! I wish i didnt have work and i could spend all day with him!

Me too. My son has been going to a childminder since he was 6 months and used to be so excited to go, but all of a sudden will tell us he wants to stay home instead. Not sure if it’s is purely an age related phase or because I am due any day with his baby brother, as I know any big life changes can also trigger ‘clinginess’. Sounds totally developmentally normal to me though, so as distressing by as it can be, I wouldn’t be too worried.

@Rosie I am also expecting, due in 2 months and have wondered if this is playing any part in it as well. Good luck with the birth!

Could well be a part of it. I’m so exhausted that he hasn’t had as much mummy time as usual, so I’m sure that hasn’t helped. Just hoping he will adapt well once the baby arrives 😬 Good luck to you too!

Been there! Was around 2.5 too, it's like he suddenly realised that being at home with us is much better (I mean if I didn't have to work mate!) and started getting upset he couldn't stay home.. I started using a visual timetable with the week and pictures of childcare and then me and dad on the weekend so he understands when it's a childcare day and a weekend home day

We had this about a month ago, it lasted a week then suddenly stopped … was very random (and heartbreaking!)

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