my 7 1/2 month old has recently started to whine and cry even when my husband and i are briefly out of sight (and sometimes even when in sight and she's not directly interacting with us..i.e. play mat, excersaucer, etc). if this is separation anxiety, was wondering if any one has any suggestions or helpful tips on dealing with this type of behavior. thanks for your comments.
thanks everyone. we/she does love peak-a-boo and we play often. just nice to know that we are on track! thanks for all your responses.
Try playing peek a boo with her. Also you can pretend to disappear for a moment(hide for a moment etc) and then reappear it will help her to realize that mommy can go away and she always come back. Good luck!
It's just a stage of development. Up to now she hasn't noticed your comings and goings but as she gets more aware of things you'll find the clinging comes and goes for the next few years.
The other moms have given you some great tips so keep it light and don't make a big deal out of it with your little one.
Play Peek-a-boo with your child. It teaches them that when you are out of sight, you come back.
Nanc
Yes, peek-a-boo is one of the best things to do for separation anxiety. Her anxiety is a sign that she is able to form a mental picture of you in her mind when you are not there, which is a major cognitive milestone for babies. Playing peek-a-boo re-creates this situation on a smaller level and gives her the opportunity to be in control of when you "disappear." Use a burp cloth or something that you can drape over your head and she can pull off. When you do need to leave the room, tell her you will be right back ("Mommy always comes back!"), and never leave (especially for longer periods of time) without saying goodbye. Here's a little more info:
http://www.babycenter.com/0_separation-anxiety_145.bc?sho...
W. if you fin out anything... I'd like to know too.
I have an 18 month of that is still this way. I am her world, and If I am not there, she acts as if the world is coming to an end. At least you know you are not alone.
I have not really dealt with it in a certain way. Quiet time (in teh crib for a few minutes), talking to her as I go from room to room, envolving her in my daily tasks, like folding laundry, let her play in teh sock pile as I match them.... When I have to leave her, (mother-in-law or my sister), I get reports that she was happy, and not fussy... biut as soon as I walk thru the door, she starts whining for me to pick her up, and clings to me.
I hope your daughter grows out of it. Mine has not yet.
Best of luck.
Hi!!! My daughter went through the same thing but she was ok as long as she heard my voice. So if I left the roon to go to the bathroom, I'd have to shout from the bathroom that I'll be right back. Just try reassuring her that you will be back and keep talking to her and hopefully, it will ease her separation anxiety. *good luck*
It's very normal at about 8 months of age for babies to experience this--it's even called 'Eigth Month Anxiety' by healthcare professionals. She has just become aware that you and she are separate and that all individuals are not the same in her world. She's reacting to your special-ness. Don't make a big deal of it--this too will pass.
Try talking to your child when you leave the room. Do this for a while, to teach her that even when you are not in the room, you are still there. A baby's perception is totally different from an adult. While it may seem logical to us, a baby can't recognize in her mind the layout of the house and assume that you are in one of those other rooms. They can only picture what they see at that moment, and to her, you have disappeared and may never come back.
