I don't know what to do. My daughter (almost 7 months) can never play alone by herself. I know many babies that entertain themselves - but my little girl is not one of them. If she even sees you walking away from her, she will scream. Once you pick her up and or sit next to her, she is fine. My boyfriend completly blames this on me and he says i spoil her because i don't let her cry. I do let her cry, just not for more than 5 minutes. She does not know how to calm herself down once she starts crying, this makes me very nervous. On top of all of this, her babysitter now has brought this up to me and says that it is hard to go about her day if my daughter can't occupy herself in the playpen or with a toy (the babysitter has 1 other little girl as well). Any advice on how to get my daughter out of this phase (the doctor called it a phase) would be extremly helpful and appreciated.
T.,
They do grow out of it. I thought I was gonna loose it when my son did this. If I walked to other side of room or even if his father was sitting right there he would scream and cry till I came back. It lasted about a month, month and a half. Each child is different. Its not a thing about being spoiled or anything, every child goes threw this. Good luck and hope its over fast.
D.
T....I read something about this last week....this usually happens around 8 months or so and it is a phase that they do grow out of...I also have a hard time letting my son (10 motnhs) just cry and cry...it breaksmy heart....but EVERY MOM that I know says to let them cry....Sorry I couldnt be better help...R.
This is a normal stage of development called separation anxiety... starts around 6 months and can last until 18 months or so. This is nobody's fault... no one is to blame!!! Your baby is normal and healthy. Check out this link to a Dr. Sears article, and do more reading on infant development (teach the sitter too): http://www.parenting.com/parenting/baby/article/0,19840,#... I have found that the more reassuring I was with my kids during this stage, the easier they seemed to get through it. The more I tried to "force" independence, the more they couldn't let go! Good luck!
Sorry to tell you this, but she has to grow out of it! It is a normal stage for them to go through. I have no advice, just want to let you know you are not alone!
Your doctor is right. One of my twins did the same thing she wanted me all of the time. She grew out of it. Now she is almost 10 and driving me crazy in other ways. Just enjoy they get big so fast.
C.
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Hi T., I thought I was the only one, lol... my son is the same way! I'm not trying to scare you but my son is now 11 months old and he still crys almost everytime I walk out of the room. I thought he did it because I'm a work at home mom and I'm around him 24/7. You would think he would be sick of me by now lol. Sometimes I have to sneak past the livingroom hoping he doesnt see me so I could get something done in the house. I guess we just have high maintenance babies. Sorry I don't have any really good advice except to hang in there! If you find something that works please let me know.
I have two boys both of whom went through that stage. My little guy is now going through it again (19 mths). Make sure she is getting the proper attention and care throughout her day. Verbally reassure her that you will come back and show her when you do. Peek-a-boo is a game that shows children that you may disappear for time but then return. She'll get it just hang in there....then on to the next phase!!! Enjoy and good luck!
How well do you trust your babysitter? Could she be ignoring your daughter during the day? Or leaving her alone for extended periods of time?
Has this behavior started the same time as another event? Maybe the babysitters daughter torments your daughter when they are alone and your daughter is nervous to be left without an adult around??
I'm not trying to scare you...Its hard to know what goes on when mom isnt around.
It could just be a phase. I would pop in unexpectedly while your daughter was with the sitter. Just to see...Good Luck!
