10 1/2 Month Old, with Seperation Anxiety.

Just like you thought - this is a phase. I think all baby's go through this sometime between 9 and 18 months. You just need to keep reassuring and walk out. I bet he stops crying about 5 minutes after you are gone. One thing that does help is being prepared to leave immediately once the babysitter gets the information you need to convey. The longer the leaving process takes, the more the baby has time to get worked up and the longer it takes him to calm down.

Hi T.! I am a home child care provider and I have a little one that does this - only with his mother. He throws the biggest fit when she drops him off and as soon as we turn our backs to go upstairs he stops and is fine. She doesn't even make it back to her car. One of the things that may help - if you are anxious in any way in dropping him off he will feel it and thus start fussing. The same boy gets dropped off by both gma's at times too and does not do this with them - they bring him up, say good bye and off they go - no fuss no muss so to speak. They are more relaxed when they drop him off than mom is. Kids pick up on that and it affects their behavior - if they feel you are uncomfortable they will be too. Try singing funny songs on the way and being happy when you drop off - if he's walking - let him walk to the door - good luck.

Look into Bach Flower remedies for you child; Rescue remedy may be very helpful for this type of anxiety. Google Bach Flower Remedies and you find a new way to approach anxiety, stage fright, fear, and depression. It may even assist with hyperactive children. Of course it would be most beneficial if you were eating a diet free of diary, processed foods, sugar laden foods and hormone and antibiotic laden flesh. Good luck ; Bach Flowers are good for parents too.

Hi T.,

My daughter had seperation anxiety for almost four years although she went into daycare every day from 8 weeks old. I consulted with my ped at the time because it seemed that she was not getting over this phase. She assured me that it is very important to pick them up on time so they know that you are coming back for them. Once she was old enough to understand me, I would reassure her every evening that I would be dropping her off in the morning but I would ALWAYS be there to pick her up EVERY evening. Every morning, I would point out to her that I picked her up yesterday/every day last week and I would continue to do so. I would also tell her that she was a "big" girl doing important things at daycare and I had to do important things at work. I would emphasis that we both had responsibilities and that we would be missed by her caregivers and my co-workers if we did not show up every day. Make him understand how important he is to the babysitter so he feels a sense of belonging and pride in helping out. My daughter also loves giving stickers to her classmates in daycare which makes her feel like a contributing member of the group/see the purpose in going each day. Good Luck! p.s. Having some suprises in the car when you pick him up once a week/in a while - a toy from McDonalds, a sticker, etc. can go a long way about making him forget about missing you...

A 10 month old crying when their mother leaves them is a normal reaction. Anxiety is a much more extreme reaction. If he's crying briefly when you leave, then goes on to play and have a normal day and is happy to see you when you pick him up, that is normal. If he's crying uncontrollably, unable to get involved in play, unconsolable after you leave, and possibly not happy when he sees you return, that is separation anxiety.

He will get used to it. The crying probably stops within minutes of you leaving. The babysitter could try distracting him while you are leaving.

I would ignore it. if you bring attention to it your only going to promote it.