Cries When He Leaves Nana??!

[cacijo]

Some would say this is a 'wonderful' problem! Yes, grandson who I babysat for the majority of his first 18 mos cries heartbreakingly almost every time we part. It has been almost a 10 mos since he and his single mom moved in with her boyfriend 45 min. away.

His mom still needs to work so of course doesn't have anywhere near the quality time with her son as I do. Her boyfriend is good with him.  He is a happy boy.

His mom, my daughter had wonderful visits, long and short, with my mom but did not cry when she had to leave or he had to leave. I, too, had to work.

Grandson is now 28 mos old. Two weeks ago we asked if he could visit with us for 4 nights/days. I thought perhaps if he stayed longer with us he would be ready to go home, see his doggie, see his mom & her guy, etc. They drove here to pick up our grandson, had supper with us and all 3 left around 3 hrs. later. Grandson did NOT cry! We were all so relieved and happy. I put him in his car seat.

Two weeks later, this past weekend I asked if he could come for 3 nights. His folks again drove here to pick him up, had supper and left after 2 1/2 hrs. Grandson began tearing up when he saw the signs that he was going too. I carried and put him in carseat. But this time he was crying insonsolably.  His mom was saying as she often does trying to console him, "You love being with your nana and grampa, don't you. You'll see them again."

During the last day of each of those 2 visits I mentioned a few times during the day that him mom and 'guy' would be coming later today so he could go home and see 'doggie',   About the only difference in these 2 lengthy visits is that it was light out when he left at the happy departure but dark out when he left at this recent unhappy departure.

Any input as to what might be going on?  Oh, yes, he does not cry when he leaves his mom to come with us. He used to cry when she left him at babysitters. I don't know if he still does. Guess I should ask her.

He is a sensitive boy.  I hate to see his him leave or me leave and have him crying so hard. I know I shouldn't stop having him visit but should he and his gramp, my husband, see him less? Is he too young to understand and is self-soothing?

Thanks!