You hand your child over at the nursery door, they reach back for you and start to cry, and you walk to the car with a heavy heart. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. Tears at drop-off are one of the most common worries parents share with us, and in most cases they are a normal, passing stage.

This guide looks only at the goodbye moment itself: why it happens, what usually helps, and what tends to make it harder. If your child is between 1 and 3 years old, our toddler programme page explains how we care for this age group. For the first weeks of nursery in general, see our guide to settling your child into nursery.

Why children cry when you leave

According to NHS guidance on separation anxiety, babies and toddlers often get clingy and cry when a parent or carer leaves, even for a short time. The NHS says separation anxiety is common between about six months and three years, is a normal part of development, and that children usually grow out of it.

The same guidance describes it as a sign that your child knows how much they depend on the people who care for them. In other words, the tears often show how close your bond is, not that something is wrong. As children grow, they understand more and more that people still exist when they cannot see them, and that you will come back.

Crying can also return after a calm spell. A new room, a holiday, a new sibling or a short illness can all bring back a few teary mornings. This is common and usually settles again once the routine is back.

What helps at the door

  • Keep the goodbye short and warm. A hug, a kiss, a clear “bye, see you after lunch” and then go. The NHS advises smiling and waving goodbye confidently, even if you feel sad, because children pick up on our worry.
  • Always say goodbye. Slipping away while your child is busy can feel easier in the moment, but it can make them more watchful the next day. A simple, honest goodbye builds trust.
  • Use the same little ritual every day. Two hugs and a high five, or a special wave at the window. Repeating it tells your child what comes next.
  • Tell them when you will be back in words they understand: “after your nap” or “after snack time” means more to a 2-year-old than a clock time.
  • Talk about the reunion. The NHS suggests telling your toddler what you will do together when you pick them up, so they have something to look forward to.
  • Bring a small comfort from home. A favourite soft toy or something that smells of you can help. Ask the nursery what is fine to bring.
  • Hand over to the same person when you can, so your child goes from your arms to a familiar face.

What usually makes it harder

  • Long, repeated goodbyes. Coming back for “one more hug” three times often stretches the crying.
  • Showing a lot of worry. It is natural to feel upset, but try to keep your face and voice calm until you are out of sight.
  • Changing the plan every day. Different drop-off times and different people can make mornings feel less predictable.
  • Talking about nursery as something to be brave about all the time. Mention the fun parts instead: painting, the ball pool, a friend’s name.

Getting ready at home

The NHS suggests practising short separations first, for example leaving your child with a grandparent or someone they know well for a few minutes, then building up to longer times and less familiar places. A calm evening and enough sleep also make mornings easier. Our older guide on preparing your toddler for nursery has more ideas for the weeks before the first day.

Many children cry at the door and are playing a few minutes later. It is fine to ask the nursery how your child settled that morning; hearing that they joined in can make the next drop-off easier for you too.

When to ask for advice

The NHS says to talk to a health professional if separation anxiety is causing your child a lot of distress, if they stay upset for a long time after you leave, or if it has been going on for more than a few weeks. In the UAE, your child’s paediatrician is the right person to ask. If you have any other concern about your child’s wellbeing, speak to them too.

How Balloon Nursery does it

Balloon Nursery in Al Ghafia, Sharjah, cares for children from 45 days old up to 4 years and is open every day from 6:30am to 7:30pm, with early drop-off from 6:00am on request. That gives families room to choose a drop-off time that suits them and keep it the same each day. We follow the British EYFS curriculum with Montessori-style, hands-on learning, and children hear Arabic and English every day. You are welcome to book a visit with your child before they start, so the rooms feel familiar on the first morning. Read more about how we care for younger children in your 1-year-old at nursery and your 2-year-old at nursery.

Would you like to visit with your child first? Book a visit or message us on WhatsApp at +971 50 342 8582.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal for my toddler to cry every morning at nursery?

Yes, it is very common. The NHS says separation anxiety is a normal part of development between about six months and three years, and most children grow out of it. Tears at the door often stop soon after the parent leaves.

Should I stay until my child stops crying?

Usually a short, warm goodbye works better than a long one. Say goodbye clearly, tell your child when you will be back, hand them to a familiar carer and leave with a smile.

Is it better to leave without saying goodbye?

It is better to always say goodbye. Leaving without a word can make a child more anxious next time, while a simple daily goodbye ritual helps them learn that you always come back.

When should I worry about crying at drop-off?

The NHS advises getting advice if your child is very distressed, stays upset for a long time after you leave, or the crying has gone on for more than a few weeks. In the UAE, talk to your child’s paediatrician.