Seperation Anxiety - Indianapolis,IN

K.,

first this is NORMAL-age appropiate behavior..not a product of any parenting style:) Sometimes, singing or talking when you are leaving the room helps them learn that you are not "gone" Also, exposing her to other people when you are not leaving is good. Support group is a perfect example..put her down let her play and you are still there. Some moms when their babies get so clingy feel like they have to get out..but babies sense that and cling more! I certainly think she is also picking up a bit on the change in the household, she just can't say it. Lastly, it WILL pass..all too soon:) Just keep working with her, 5 minutes turns into 10 then 30 etc and next thing you know she's playing fine before she realizes you are gone. Also, let her have short play dates with someone she really knows...like your sis. Go somewhere for an hour and she gets used to you being gone. Hang in there girl!

I know she's only a baby but I just want to warn a bit on feeding into the anxiety. I'm a behavior specialist and I just want to give a word of caution. Be careful about scooping her up right away when she cries or feeling so guilty about leaving the room for a few minutes because she is crying. Although I'm sure she's reacting to such changes in the house and your stress level, if you feed her anxiety it will persist longer and be more severe to correct. It's hard as a mom to walk away from a crying child when you know how easy it is to make them feel better, but you have to teach her that's it's okay and mommy will be back. It's hard to explain in this form so please feel free to send me any questions or anything.

I DONT THINK IT IS THE MOM with the problem and how rudewas it to suggest that.. i think all babies are needy to an extent.. you are just stressed right now and it may seem like she is more needy than usual..hang in there girl and let your friends and family support you and help you out with your wonderful family until your hero comes home!

All babies are needy to an extent, but maybe mommy has an issue with this to work out before the baby can figure it out. You have got to let her cry. Yes, it's hard. This may not be something you can 'fix' immediately, so be patient. Play soothing music. If it doesn't help her, it will at least distract you for a few minutes to let her cry. She will be fine. Once you know that, she will know that, too.
Hang in there, you're hero will be back.