How should I respond to my baby crying when starting daycare?

Age 2 is one of the periods with the most intense separation anxiety when starting daycare. Your child's crying is developmentally normal—she's responding because she loves you and feels safe with you. Your own sadness is just as normal; it shows your attachment is secure.

A few concrete steps to help:

• Keep goodbyes short. Long, drawn-out goodbyes increase anxiety. Say something cheerful and short like 'See you this afternoon, I love you so much' and hand her to the teacher without looking back.
• Create a consistent routine. Getting ready the same way each morning, taking the same route, handing her to the same teacher—predictability builds confidence.
• Give her a transition object. Her favorite toy, a blanket, or a little 'kiss' you put in her pocket helps her feel your presence.
• Talk positively about daycare at home. Naturally mention fun, concrete details like playdough, friends, or the teacher's name throughout the day.
• Be kind to yourself. The 15-20 minutes after you leave daycare while you get your coffee or drive home—her crying usually stops by then. Be compassionate with yourself during this process.

The adjustment usually softens within 2-4 weeks. If after 3-4 weeks she's still crying all morning, never settles down at school, or you notice significant disruptions in sleep or eating, consider speaking with the teacher and a child psychologist.