Separation anxiety

After 2 days of 'success' in school, today Mikhail exhibited signs of separation anxiety.

Child psychologists define separation anxiety as referring to the developmental stage during which your child experiences anxiety when separated from you or whoever may be the primary care giver. In other words, this phase is another developmental milestone that most babies go through.
Source: babyworld.co.uk

He wants me to be in class with him, but of course that's not possible! I left him crying and sulking in class (while again telling him I'll be outside waiting for school to finish). I don't believe in letting him cling on to me or even like what some parents do when their kids cry - bring them back home. That is a big no-no.

No, I did what I had to do and just left him there. I know he will be alright in school. The teachers are nice, the environment is good and he has many friends. In fact, children always cry when their parents are in sight, but when they're left to themselves, they know better than to cry. I took a peek into the classroom right before I left, and he had stopped crying. I knew it!

Below is a good article on separation anxiety from babyworld.co.uk.

An excerp:
Brenda Nixon says, "It is skilful parenting to understand that while separation anxiety is difficult, it is a part of growing and learning to handle new feelings. Your baby is remarkably resilient; with your respect and care, he will learn to cope with losses. Now that's a valuable life skill."

Separation anxiety is a developmental stage in your baby's life and one that she will get through, even if you feel like she never will. Just remember, you don't often see a 10 year old sobbing hysterically whilst clinging to his mother's legs outside the school gates!

Link: http://www.babyworld.co.uk/information/baby/baby_development/separation_anxiety.asp