SEparation anxiety freakout around 18 months?????

Gavin is making me insane with the cryiong and wailing for me...it breaks my heart when the screaming turns into "Mamaaaaaaaa!!!!!"

Is there a big separation anxiety issue around this time?
He never went through this ever so I have no experience with it....

Any advice is much appreciated....

Oh, and does the Happiest Toddler on the Block book offer any good advice? Thinking about pickling it up

Re: SEparation anxiety freakout around 18 months?????

Oh yes. Our pediatrician warned us this could happen around 18 months--some kids experience it earlier, some later. But it's pretty normal and to be expected. So he is right on track.

DS seemed to go through this around 16 months, but other stuff was going on, it's hard to say if it was completely this or not. I just kept leaving him with his babysitter (he had been fine with her previously). In time he got used to it or maybe learned that I was coming back. I made the good-byes very short, but I always said good-bye and told him I would come back for him. Someone told me don't sneak out no matter how tempting it is, since they might think you will just disappear. Also, if you can bring some beloved toy or book from home for him, that might help, though I know some daycares don't allow them.

It's soooo hard, so I feel for you. I don't really have other tips, and I haven't looked at the book, but try it.