My 3-Year-Old Son Cried and Begged Me Not to Take Him to Daycare — Until I Stormed Into the Facility
I’m 29, a single mom to my 3-year-old, Johnny. Daycare used to be his favorite place—until one Monday when he clung to my legs, sobbing, “No, Mommy, don’t make me go!” It kept happening every morning, and though the pediatrician said it was just separation anxiety, I knew something was wrong.
One morning, after I snapped in frustration, Johnny whispered, trembling, “No lunch. Please, Mommy… no lunch.” My stomach sank. The next day, I dropped him off but returned early to see what was happening. Through the glass, I saw his teacher, Miss Carrie, lean down and hiss something at him before snatching away his lunchbox.
I stormed in. Johnny’s food was untouched—all week. Another child blurted, “Miss Carrie says Johnny can’t eat until he says sorry.” She’d been punishing him by withholding food.
The director fired her that day after other kids confirmed it. Later, I learned she’d been reported before for similar cruelty but was never caught—until now.
Johnny’s at a new daycare, smiling again. And every morning, I remind him, “If you’re ever hungry, tell Mommy.” Because I’ll never ignore his fear again—it wasn’t just a phase. It was a cry for help.
