My daughter is almost 16 months old, and I just went back to work. It's her 4th day and the transition is NOT going well. She gets upset as soon as I a walk towards the door. An additional hurdle is that we just began weaning her during the day, so when she is home with me I do not nurse her between 8-4. She signs for milk and cries as soon as I leave. She has been sad and has been scratching herself pretty badly when she gets upset. I would love some reassurance that it will just take her a little time to get used to things.

She is staying with a good friend of mine 3 days a week, and with MIL for 2...so she knows and loves the people that she is with. Unfortunately, they are alternating days, but that is just the way that it needs to be right now.

Any stories about bad starts? Particularly for toddlers who are smart enough to know that Momma is leaving?? Or, just kind words would be nice. This has been a bit tough on me, and I am just having a hard time knowing how upset she is during the day.