A Cuban mother living in Spain recently took to TikTok to express the emotional turmoil she experienced when leaving her 8-month-old daughter at daycare for the first time, capturing a moment that resonates deeply with many immigrant parents.
Susana Aguiar, known on social media as "Susy from Cuba" (@susana_aguiar), recorded a video outside the daycare center while anxiously waiting for her baby's first solo session to end. Posted on September 9, the video received 86 likes and 40 comments from fellow parents who could empathize with her situation.
During the initial two days of the adjustment week, Monday and Tuesday, Susy and her husband stayed in the classroom alongside their daughter, her teacher, and other young children. The baby adapted well without any major issues. However, on Wednesday, the real test of separation arrived—a short session from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. with the infant completely alone in the classroom.
"As a mother, it's impossible not to feel a lump in your throat," the TikToker admitted in the video, also describing the "tightness in her chest" she felt as she walked away. Despite these feelings, she expressed trust in the daycare center, noting, "We've been told it's an excellent facility, and we've heard great things about it."
The parents chose to wait outside the entire session rather than return home.
Adding to Susy's concerns was the fact that her daughter, born in late December—a birth expected in 2026 but occurring earlier—was placed in a group for one to two-year-olds with children born in January and February who were already walking. "My girl doesn't fall under the baby category; she's in the 1-2 age group, and that adds to my worries because she'll be with kids who are already walking," she explained.
Experts note that eight months is when separation anxiety peaks in child development, making daycare entry especially challenging for both babies and parents at this stage.
Despite the stress, Susy found reasons to be thankful. "I'm very grateful to be in a country where I fully trust the education my child will receive," she remarked, contrasting her current situation with the conditions left behind in Cuba. Susy is not the first Cuban mother to share such experiences; another Cuban mother recently went viral after breaking down in tears when leaving her daughter at school for the first time, generating significant online support.
Susy had previously gone viral for other moments, like when she discovered an item in a Spanish store that reminded her of Cuba, costing just 72 cents, a video that garnered over 43,500 views.
The video concluded with a message of support for others going through similar experiences: "Trust, trust that everything will be okay and that this is just another stage we have to overcome."
Insights into Separation Anxiety in Infants
Why is separation anxiety common at eight months?
Separation anxiety peaks around eight months because infants are developing a stronger attachment to their primary caregivers and are more aware of their surroundings, leading to distress when separated.
How can parents ease their child's transition to daycare?
Parents can help ease the transition by gradually introducing their child to the daycare environment, maintaining a consistent routine, and providing comfort items like a favorite toy or blanket.