On Overcoming Separation Anxiety.

Miss E lasts a little less than 15 minutes in the church nursery on Sundays. We've had just one time that she managed to make it through the entire service in her fourteen months of life so we are getting quite used to seeing our family number flash on the screen at church.

Her first day of ECFE class was much the same two weeks ago as well. She did great with the initial separation until she actually realized I was gone and then she cried. And cried. And cried some more.

And then week two, not even five minutes into parent discussion, Miss E was missing me.

This is not something I am used to. H, has always separated willingly and maybe even wantingly. He has, never given a babysitter trouble or cried deliriously over us leaving. I was not a mom at preschool being clung to last fall, instead he waved and pretty much booted me out the door.

I have joked a time or two that I've got one child who can live without me so much it hurts and another who can't live without me so much it hurts. It is lose-lose, isn't it?

All that said, we've been there and done that just a touch with M when she was little. I recall when she was 4 and I was pregnant with H, the dropping off process at preschool was anything but fun. Those arms of hers were strong even then and clutch my neck she would do. More than once I would peel her off of me, walk backwards out the door, hearing her shrill scream all the way out of the building.

But it was short lived. And we made it past the hump. And if anything, she could at least talk and tell us what the deal was and we could converse, problem solving together. And she made it. Now she's fine.

But Miss E, all we get are cries.

She is such a mama's girl and I'm not sure what to do. She is with me most of all, it's true.

I hate to admit it but I have cast much judgement on other parents who's babes have had these same issues in the past. Claiming pridefully that it's the parents. It's the mom who has the trouble separating, which is why the baby is upset. I've said on more than one occasion.

And now, I've seen and learned, the hard way, that that is so not the case.

My E just wants me. All. The. Time.

And who am I to resist this cuteness?

There are a few that make her list, if she's in the mood, that is. If you're not on the list, be prepared for the fat lip, the sorrowful eyes and the cry that makes your heart hurt.

I know, or hope, it's only temporary and I do so love my girl and I admit, its flattering to feel needed all the time.

But I love people and I'd really love for her to love other people just a tad bit more.

Help a mama out here, what advice or thoughts do YOU have on helping E learn how to separate a little better?