Dealing with separation anxiety

[Lena O.]

I'm hoping there are other divorced moms on the board who can give me some advice.

My ex-husband and I got divorced when our youngest was about a year old, so in his little world seeing Dad every other weekend is the norm. For the past few months, he has been having massive meltdowns every other weekend when he gets dropped off at Dad's, and then again when Dad brings him back to me. He cries and clings to us and literally SCREAMS that he will miss us.

We are calling it separation anxiety, but we are at a loss as to how to deal with it. Every drop-off includes lots of hugs and kisses and "I love you's", but regardless of how much affection or reassurance we give, it always ends with a meltdown.

My ex-husband and I are getting along well, so this isn't a result of hearing us fight. It happens with both parents, so it isn't a one-sided situation where he is afraid of being left with Dad or Mom. We try to make the transition like a game or an adventure, but it doesn't really work anymore.

I just received a text saying that he finally stopped crying and is playing happily in the bath tub.

Any advice? Anyone?