9 Month Old Clingy

OMG... sorry, but your Daycare is off base.
He is ONLY a 9 month old.
Babies and 1 and 2 year olds... do NOT "play" with others interactively NOR "socialize".... they "parallel play." Look it up online.
Tell your Daycare this.
Geez.
They are making you worried for nothing.
And... what EXACTLY do they mean that he is "trouble"?????
They better darn well ITEMIZE it and everything and explain WHY.
They can't just be capricious about it.
They should know about baby/child development.

And your baby has been with all loving adults as a baby, no biggie. He will adapt.

all the best,
Susan

Babies at that aage do not play with other babies. Google developmental stages of babies and you will find that they discuss "parallel play" where two children play near each other or even with the same toy but not together. I believe it is closer to 2 years old when they begin to interact in a meangingful way.

I would give you son some time- adjusting to being with strangers when he has had the undivided attention of his relatives for a long time is a big deal.

I am totally floored that a "daycare facility" who specializes in education, social play, etc. told you your son was "trouble". Regardless of the fact that you asked them that question there are so many other responses that could have occurred but instead they just said yeah your son is nothing but trouble to us. Excuse me but what do I pay YOU for then? Granted no one wants to be the parent with the kid that is "trouble" but its expected in those type of places to a degree and my gawd your son really hasn't even been given the chance! Poor lil guy!
If I were you I would look for another caregiver that is a little more compassionate of the fact that the poor kid has gone through a lot of changes within his home life. He will adjust and he will begin to interact with the other kids when he is ready-but he is still a baby!!!!
I had twins and I always wondered "when are they going to pay attention to one another" it took quite awhile for this to happen and they were around each other each and every single day!! They were pretty much happy playing on their own for awhile and still are kind of that way at 7 years old. I have one that would entertain herself for hours with a simple phone book-had her sister left her alone she would have continued to be engrossed by all the names and phone numbers I am sure for many more moons!
Don't stress out about this-shame on the daycare for making you feel even more guilty about leaving your son behind because he is too much trouble for them while you go to work-as mothers we already feel guilty enough as it is. I think if he is too much "trouble" for them to deal with until he can adjust take him elsewhere. Don't wait too long though because the more you wait the worse it will be for you and your son because you will have to start from square one again when he may have been on the verge of "settling" in at the other place. I'm sorry but if a daycare center can't seem to "handle" my son I would have to question why? Short-staffed? Uncaring? Too busy? What is the deal?
I understand that there are some children that are a little more clingy than others but he is new to this environment and as a Daycare center - they should know this. They should also know that at his age what developmental stages are appropriate. I must ask are they certified? Meaning have they been approved for their educational side of business for the children? Take a look around at the older kids that have been there for awhile-what are they like? Talk with other parents-what have they seen with their children while they were there. Unbelievable! These are the type of people or places that give childcare such a bad name-shame on them! GOOD LUCK! Don't be afraid to be assertive either when it comes to your child-he can't speak up for himself and sometimes as a parent we have to stand up for our own children. Not meaning make up excuses everytime your child misbehaves but you know as a mother and a human being for that matter when the time is to be assertive-he is your son-not anyone elses and don't allow others to bully you around when it comes to "how", "What", and "when".

I do get it, I really do. My grandson suddenly has become the biggest cling-on I've ever had. We have one of those houses you talk about. My husband works long hours. But when he's home he holds him and plays with him. My mother lives here and we have a daycare. My daughter is in school and works, but comes home between classes and between split shifts. Between all of us, he never wants for attention. He started sitting up at about 6 months and up until last week he's spent the last 3.5-4 months playing nicely (parallel) play or by himself. But now he will NOT be put down without screaming. It's really hard because I have a house full of children here and they all need attention. My mother is recuperating from surgery and can't lift over 10 pounds. Right now I'm feeling stretched very thin and this is my own grandson. Of course, I'd love to kick my feet up and just sit with him in my lap all day. It wouldn't be fair to the others and it's just not possible.

This is a stage. It will pass. Ours started partly because of the age and partly because of being sick and teething. Your child has had a big change in his life, just like my grandson misses his other grandma being able to hold him. Your son will adjust and the daycare will get through it. :) So will I!

Hi there: Your baby is completely normal - he wants his mom. There is no benefit to putting a child in day care before age 2. If you are able, I would keep him at home with you. Best of luck to you and God bless.

It is very normal. There has been lots of change and he is used to being around adults. It usually takes 2+ weeks to get used to a new situation. At 9 months old he won't really play with kids either. At this age you are lucky to get parallel play. He will definitely start to socialize as he gets older; there is no need to worry right now.

I work fulltime and have used state-certified in-home-care providers for 7 years for my 2 children -- they follow stricter guidelines, are like "extended family", provide a "home from home" and are much less money per week.

You can find great providers in your area at www.qualitycareforchildren.org. This site has a search feature, and a great customer-service number that will answer any question:) Interviewing takes patience, but you'll find THE ONE -- nothing compares to not worrying about your baby!

He's 9 mos = he's still a baby and there's no spoiling at this point, no socializing yet (just mirror-play, if that), getting into the separation anxiety stage, and really not ready to crawl or walk for at least a month or so... your care facility has a problem, not your child or you. Care facilities need to be carefully chosen, too, as each is unique -- I went through 3 when I placed my daughter at 4.

You just want the best, and that's normal:) If you want to ask any other questions, feel free to email me via this site and GOOD LUCK:)