A toddler throws a fit and pleads with his mother not to leave for daycare. Concerned, she arrives unexpectedly and is shocked by what she sees.
No, mommy, please no!” Johnny collapsed onto the ground, yelling loudly. Marla Evans exhaled heavily. Not again! She checked her watch. If he starts another full-blown tantrum, she will be late once more.
She looked at her three-year-old with frustration. Johnny had attended daycare for two years and always enjoyed it. Recently, unexpectedly, he had started causing scenes, begging Marla not to take him.
She had spoken to her pediatrician, who told her that toddlers often go through the “terrible threes.” “Stop it!” Marla heard herself shout, then she noticed the fear in her son’s eyes. Something was wrong.
Marla sat down on the floor next to Johnny and gently pulled him onto her lap. He cried, pressing his tiny face against her chest. She realized this was more than just a tantrum, but she wasn’t sure what was bothering him.
“Gently,” Marla said softly. “I’m sorry. Mommy didn’t mean to get upset.” She held him until his crying subsided and asked softly, “Why don’t you want to go to daycare anymore?”
