My 14 month old freaks out if I leave the room, Help!?

Question

I cannot even go to the bathroom with out him crawling to me and crying because i didnt bring him with me. If hes not in the sam espot with me at all times he will cry and get all red, he only does this with me , my husband says hes fine with him, please help!

Answer 1

This is a stage of development for children -some experience it more strongly than others. Try some same-room peek-a-boo games. He needs to see that when one of you cannot see the other, he is safe. After he is comfortable with just the hands on and off form, try just standing behind the door, but only your face behind it, then moving the door for the peek-a-boo effect. Once he is comfortable with that, try just standing where you are near another room. Then move into the other room, and back into the first room again. Eventually the process will lead him to be confident you are coming back.

He is very close to the terrible twos, a time when children have started learning they are not a part of their parents, and begin to experiment with Independence. That's why they say "No!" to nearly everything during that year. Get a child development book, or subscribe to a parenting magazine, or visit lots of parenting websites. I believe the book is best because you read it from newborn to around 8 to 10 years old, a good over view. Then you have a good foundation for specific questions. Another strong parent support is a childhood development class. Both of you should take it together, if at all possible.

Answer 2

Heres a trick that worked with my son...
I set up the baby gate in the walkway between our kitchen and living room. He was in the living room, and I would hide around the corner in the kitchen. I played peek a boo this way. I would walk around the corner, then hop out and say boo. He would laugh so hard when I did this...
I slowly made the time before I popped out longer, and he got used to the fact that Mom WOULD come back.

Another suggestion is to always tell him that you will be right back, and tell him what you are doing. Only do this when you will be right back though, not when you will be gone for more than a few minutes. It will teach your son to trust you, and eventually, when he hears the words "Be right back" he will know that it is no big deal.

Other than that, it all depends on your son's individual style. Some things may work, and others will not. I do not agree with just letting him cry it out though...unless that is the only option. He needs to learn to cope with you walking out of the room, and letting him cry is only going to give you a headache, and upset him more.

Answer 3

My son would do the same thing, he would SCREAM bloody murder until I gave him what he wanted. What I found was the best thing to do was to establish boundaries. I would play with him all he wanted, how he wanted, for 15-20 minutes STRAIGHT, no breaks, no chores, nothing would interfere. Then I found he was much more manageable because after that he knew that it was mommy's time and he got to play with me but now I have to switch the laundry or go to the bathroom, etc... You might try this and see if it helps at all, it works wonders for me! Good Luck.

Answer 4

this situation, although frustrating, is normal and not uncommon. dont encourage your sons dependence on you, help him learn to feel safe on his own. its a great sign that he's alright with your husband, but you have to show him that being alone for 2 minutes is also ok. when you leave a room give him a fun toy or activity to focus on, and praise him when he doesnt follow you around. when he does crawl after you - into the bathroom or wherever - ignore his cries for attention. its hard but you can do it!! and remember, most things at this age are a phase, and phases pass. :-) goodluck honey!

Answer 5

there is really not much you can do but just be patient. They will grow out of it. I have a 2 1/2 year old and she still has a touch of "I don't want mommy to go anywhere" But it's not as bad as it use to be. Just remember... This too shall pass. Then there will be something else that you will have to worry about... terrible twos, biting, hitting, screaming... just wait.... I know it will get better. Promise.

Answer 6

my 10 month old is starting to do the same thing. does he understand when you talk to him, even a little? ive found that when i start to get up to go to the bathroom, i say to my daughter slowly 'mama has to go potty. i'll be right back'... ive actually found this to calm her and works better than just getting up and leaving. even though she has no clue what im saying, i think its comforting to tell her before i leave.

Answer 7

Welcome to separation anxiety. My 7 month old does the same thing, only with me. It's a normal stage. In my situation though, I think its because I just started work, and before that it was only me 98% of the time with him.

Answer 8

It is called seperation anxiety. It is normal. Now is the time to get a spine. This is the childs first real test of "If I ***** loud enough will I get what I want?"

How you handle it will FOREVER determine if your little one owns you. Let him cry. Don't let him in the toilet area with you. He will learn to stop when he learns that it won't get him anywhere.

I know they sound pathetic and people will wonder do you beat him from the crying, but tough it out. It is more important than you ever will know. His life accomodates yours, not yours his.

Answer 9

Sounds like seperation anxiety. Most kids go through that. He will eventually grown out of it.. at least some!

Answer 10

wow that is a problem well if hes awake then he needs a distraction and my aunt kinda had this problem, her daughter kept on clinging on to her, if u hang around ur baby too much then he will get obsessed with u and probaly thinks if u leave him alone maybe he thinks ur gonna abandon him