Separation Anxiety

If any of you have talked to me lately, you already know our little family has a giant case of separation anxiety.

I don't remember the girls ever having it this bad, but Tyson just freaks out whenever I leave him anywhere (he is starting to get a little better when I leave him with Daddy). Here are a few exaples: 1) My friend Kim watches him when I take Kya and Adrienn to swimming lessons and everytime we get anywhere near her house he starts screaming and crying. Then when we get in the door he holds onto me so tight, I can barely peel him off. 2) Nursery at church is quite the ordeal. Whenever I walk anywhere near it, once again the crying begins. Even if I stay in there and hold him the entire time, he wil not play with toys or stop crying. 3) Every Friday moring I drop Kya and Tyson off at daycare at the gym for two hours so I can work out. Kya absolutely loves it and runs in with no problem. Tyson, on the other hand, grips onto me so tight that you would think he thought I was never coming back--but maybe that is exactly what he does think :(

The thing about Tyson is that although he screams and cries and doesn't want me to leave, he has a great time once I am gone. Everyone who has ever looked after him says that he is so sweet and happy 2 minutes after I leave. So what to do??

Tyson isn't the only one with separation anxiety these days. Ever since Jordan has started back to school, whenever I want to go anywhere without her she says "But Mom, I never get to see you anymore" or "We never have any time together" or "I don't get to see you for 6 hours when I'm at school". It breaks my heart. I found this note and picture on my pillow last night when I got home from the gym (Mike said Jordan cried the entire time I was gone):

Between Jordan and Tyson (Kya is usually really good about me leaving her--but once in a while her chin will quiver a little), I feel so guilty going anywhere. I know it must be traumatic for the kids when I leave, but it really is traumatic for me too. I just don't know what to do. Should I stay home all the time?? Am I being a bad mom?? Do I leave them too much?? Boy, is sure is hard being a mom--but great too. What an emotional roller coaster.