14 Mth Old Dislikes Strangers

[Susan_75]

I hope that someone can give me some advice for my 14 month old DD. Despite going to daycare 4 days a week where she does plenty of socialising :) , she is very frightened of anyone that she doesn't know. If anyone even comes into her room other than her carers i.e. parents or other carers she cries and gets very upset. She behaves the same at home as well if friends drop in. The only way I can calm her down so far is to cuddle her and play with her for about half an hour, then I might be able to prise her off me.

Has anyone else had a child that behaves like this, and what did you do to fix it? Any help would be great!!

thanks - Susan.

[alicesmum]

hi susan :p

alice is exactly the same as this at the moment. exactly!!!
even with her dad! when he comes home from work and greets her, she runs (actually bum-shuffles!) in the other direction, towards me and WILL NOT go to him! (he gets a bit offended). She also has no problem socialising with other kids when she goes to the creche at my gym. it seems to be whenever I am there that she gets really clingy. so tonight, DH takes her into another room while I cooked dinner and she was fine, playing happily with him! (Until she saw me again of course).

I think it is just a stage. My mum tells me I was exactly like this btw 13-16 months and that I grew out of it. All we can do really is be patient. ;)

rachel :)

[cleighsa]

hi
my little 15mth old is similar. but mostly with men. she is fine at play group with other kids and mothers, but if one of the dads come she freaks. cries and cries till i pick her up. the funny thing is she is ok with the guys until they speak!! i think it must be the tone of voice that scares her.
i think with elli it just takes her some time to get used to new people. i usually try and distract her and play near the person but not with them and slowly try and get her to look at them and interact. (but doesnt always work, sometimes she still freaks :eek: )
take care and good luck
leighsa