my son is 16 months old... our routine is he helps mummy put on her shoes.
i ask him for a hug and kiss, then i say, "mummy's going to work now, bye bye"
he always waves good-bye to me and continues playing.
i don't make a big deal out of it and it is a routine. he doesn't make a big deal out of it either.
how do YOU handle it? are you a nervous wreck, not wanting to leave?
do you give in to his tantrums and stay longer....
maybe you could get him to help you get ready... talk him through it... first mummy has to do this.... ohoh mummy has to go in 5 minutes.... now mummy has to do this... ohoh mummy has to go in 3 minutes...etc. get him to help as much as possible...maybe getting out your shoes, putting your lunch into the bag, making sure mummy has her book to read... packing your telephone in the purse...
you could also start calling when you get into the taxi and then you can ask..."what are you doing now that mummy's gone?"
you could get your helper to plan a distraction as you are leaving... oh look auntie has playdough for you to play with.... "what can you make? mummy will call you in a few minutes to see what you made!"