Appropriate age group(s):
Preschool and Younger
Elementary School

Description of technique for dealing with temper tantrums:
Your son has been going to day care for almost a year now. So why is he suddenly throwing tantrums in the morning when you drop him off?

There could be any number of reasons. First, touch base with your day care provider. (Obviously you'll want to be sure the day care is still a safe and nurturing environment.) But has anything else changed? Has a teacher or one of his friends left? Have there been any discipline problems?

If not, take a look at your home life. Has there been any change in routine at home? Has your work schedule increased? Has your son's routine been disrupted? Is he getting enough sleep? Could he be getting sick?

Most of the time, a child's separation anxiety is just part of normal development. Aren't there some days when you don't feel like going to work and would rather be home instead? Separation anxiety can also be expected if your child has been on vacation from day care or out due to illness.

On days when your child doesn't want you to leave, take some extra time and stay a little longer (don't go rushing out the door). Give him some extra big hugs and kisses but then you must walk out the door (and not run back in). Your child needs to realize that although you have to leave for a while, you do always come back and that throwing a tantrum will not get you to stay.

Other suggestions or comments:
The "whys" of this type of tantrum:
Normal development.
Change in environment or routine either at home or at day care.
Sickness.
Tiredness.