separation anxiety

[maddymoo]

Hi My 8 month old has hit the age where she want's me (or someone) all the time, Climbing up my legs, Clinging on to me when i try to put her down and generally being really whiney. She happy as long as someone is holding her. Now for me it is hard to get anything done. I don't know if i should give her the comfort she's demanding or insist she play/sleep whatever. Don't get me wrong - she gets plenty of cuddles and play time with me. I just can't do it all day! Also she's wanting me to rock her to sleep again. She went nuts thismorning going down, But we were doing so well with the self settling! I don't wan't to go backwards! I feel mean letting her cry but i kinda think it may be neccessary to get us over this hump! What have your experiences been with the clingy stage? and when will be over?

[ADL-WorkingMum]

thank god i'm not the only one! my girl is 10 months & for the last 2 or 3 weeks, she insists on being carried or cuddled. i work full time, so i know exactly what you mean about not having any time to get anything else done. i felt like the worst mother this morning simply trying to hang out the washing & having the whole neighbourhood hear my girl sing - very very loudly! it's getting very difficult to do anything without bub wanting to be held!

is there anyone else out there who can offer advice? i'm a first time mum, & i think i left the baby manual in the hospital, so i'm completely at a loss.....

[jacks mum]

my ds is starting this too but not to bad yet. he's also been waking the last 2 nights between 3 and 4 which he hasn't woken for at least 6 months. He is also getting clingy and crying more - he's never been a baby that really cries. It'd be good to hear how others have handled this.

Maddymoo - sorry to hi-jack your thread and not be able to help out.

[the_queen]

I'm really really sorry to tell you wonderful mummies this..... It's perfectly normal, and in fact it's ideal in terms of emotional development *ducks the flying objects coming at my head* :p

It means that her emotions are developing perfectly, she's gotten to a stage where she feels so strongly about you that she can't bear to be apart from you. She loves you intensely, completely, all-encompassingly, over-whelmingly. It means you are doing such a brilliant job of being her mummy that she can't let you out of her sight, she's so in love with you. :thumbsup:

A child of this age who doesn't exhibit any signs of "separation anxiety" could possibly be suffering from an attachment disorder, where s/he will grow up incapable of feeling anything for any another person.

You are both brilliant wonderful fabulous perfect mummies, and your daughters are telling you this, in their own little way.

This phase will pass. I promise. And very soon you'll be begging her for a cuddle and she'll roll her eyes and say "MU-UM! How embarrassing!!" :rolleyes:

[vespertine]

The_queen is spot on.
How about trying out a sling or baby carrier? This way both your needs are met. Your baby is held and secure, and you have your arms free!
www.carryingaway.com has heaps of sling/carrier reviews. Check it out.

[maddymoo]

I knew you would say it's normal!! But it is lovely to know that I'm the the most wonderful being in the world! (in the eyes of my girl) She has good and bad day's - I just make sure all of my jobs are done when she's asleep so I can spend time with her when she demands it. And pass her over to Daddy when he get's home!
I went out and brought one of those activity centres that they sit in the middle of and it has toys around it. It's great for when i want to do something - like have a shower. I put her in it at the bathroom door and she watches me in the shower - she thinks it's great as i sing to her and perform in the shower! Can't leave her in too long though - places to crawl to, things to explore!
Hey Jacks Mum! are you going to the park on Thursday? I don't mind you hijacking my thread! good to see you!
Thanks for your replies girls!:thumbsup:

[Boymum]

Hi Maddymoo,

Just wanted to see how it's all going with bubs and the Separation Anxiety issues? Has she settled down now?

I am just interested to see how you are coping, my little one is o'kay with it all for now....guess I want to be prepared so to speak he,he.

What fun and new things is she up to lately anyway?

Thanks.