Help No One Wants to Watch My Daughter !

Hello S.;
I think its really hard for parents (especially first time parents) to see what their children really are. I realize that teething is a painful situation but with medications and maybe a visit to the doctor, she shouldn't be acting like a terror. She is testing you to see what you will let her get away with. You have to consistent and not give in. If she wants to get down don't let her unless she behaves. If not you have to keep punishing her for doing things she's not supposed and at times it will feel like you are punishing her all the time and that may be the case but as soon as that struggle for power is over, it will subside. Kids will continue to test you throughout their lives and the more you make them behave now, the easier it will be on you and the child. Good luck. Stay strong.

S.,

Children go through separation anxiety at different times. And some don't go through it at all. My son went into Mother's day out at 2 for 2 days a week and never made a peep. My daughter cried when I tried to put her in at 4. I went ahead and kept her out until she was 5. She did fine in kindergarten though she had never gone to MDO.
Perhaps you don't need to work right now. Or perhaps you need to find a different place. Children grow up quick and then they are gone. So, enjoy her.

iT SOUNDS LIKE A NORMAL LITTLE GIRL. It reminds me of how my 2 and a half year old acts. MY 13 month old has not got there all the way yet.

My advice is way different from the others. If you don't need to work, stay home with her and you shape her to your liking. You don't need to expose her to other children who might not be the best influence on her right now that she is learning all kinds of behaviors. She does not need to be looked after by someone who doesn't love everysingle little inch of her! Stay home, eat together and show her good table manners, go to the playground and let her get her gross motor skills developed, read to her to develop her vocabulary. Then give her a nap routine. When I taught kindergarten the kids that were kept home behaved much better and had better manners. They were not as advanced academically as those who went to day care, but by the end of the year they were all fine! Your baby needs to feel completely loved and safe at this age because they are little stinkers. No one can raise her better than you! Good luck!

I would say it's normal behaviour. But time out at her age really doesn't work. My Mum is a an early childhood behaviour specialist and says time out is pointless before they're 2 as they really don't understand consequences. Also tapping her hand only teaches her that hitting is okay and she will reach a stage in the next few months when she hits you and other kids. My son is now 21 months and has been through all of this over the last 6 months.

Also maybe she just doesn't click with her new carer. My son loves his Gymboree teacher but really doesn't care for his Kindermusik teacher. Adults have personality clashes and sometimes children do as well.

Hope this helps.
S.

Some times kiddos go through phases where they are more clingy and have more separation anxiety, it doesn't sound like you are doing anything wrong.

It could also be because she is teething or coming down with a bug or maybe the new combined class is bigger and more overwhelming to her.

When I started my then 18 month old in Mother's Day Out they told me they frequently lose kiddos in the first month who just aren't ready or have more separation anxiety.

Trust your mommy instincts.

I feel your pain! My third child (boy) is my strong willed child, we call him passionate! He is now 19 months old and he is beginning to get easier. But he was just like that especially when we were out and about. So, my encouragment is, I am certain it is a phase, and I think what is helping my son to ease up is that he is learning how to express himself better and his understanding is growing so he is becoming more aware of discipline. I'd advice to just stay consistent and know that this too shall pass :) ....coming from a mother of four...10 boy, 7 girl, 19 month boy and 4 month boy....Life is full of phases! :)

Hi S.
All kids are different but that makes them special. Me and my sister own a daycare, and we have been in this business for 8 years. In ou 13 months - 18 month old class I will just go in there and watch them play. Some kids hit some kids snatch and some bite. As a teacher and a mother you should always keep ur eyes on the children, and think what they are fixing to do before they do it. Dont give up and get upset. Ur 14 month old is probally teething like u said. The best discipline for this age is timeout. You might not think they understand it but they do. with this being your first child you wil see what works for you and you child. Also, when your child does act up or throw a fit sometimes the best thing is to just ask her for a hug and that changes the mood.

My daughter definitely started going thru some separation anxiety.. cries when I leave her at MDO but she is getting better.. it just takes time. She loves to be done and squirmy... we can't even put her in a high chair anymore because she stands up in it.. (we had to get her a booster chair with straps that we take with us everywhere). My daughter is 13months old.... she either wants down or to be carried. I would say it's a phase and she will grow out of it. No worries, it's not you!

Try putting here in a different childcare. I had my two sons in a home childcre since my youngest was 1 they are now 10 and 8 and we still have to go and see their home care provider wvery three to four months. I love her she was great with my 2 and since then i have started my own home childcare.

She sounds like a totally normal toddler to me. Of course like a smart little girl she is interested in everything. Try to not discourage her. If she's into something you don't want her to be in, redirect her or distract her.
You might want to read a book on infant development like Mothers and Toddlers by Brazelton, or you can look in your local library for others.

I would find another daycare. I don't think the people are your current center are well trained.

Good luck.

What you are saying seems like you just have an active, curious child. My oldest son was the same way. I think the place you are taking her must be used to really quiet little kids.
The MDO I took my son to, tried to tell me the same. I told them that I needed the help. That I had no one to watch him and I needed a break. They had pitty on me. The first week he cried for two hours each day, each week it got less. Then after a month he did not cry at all. He settled in to the group.
He still is a high energy curious child. Now in elementary school he gets student of the month awards and star awards. His teachers love him and he has lots of friends. Hany in there.
Not every kid is a quiet little child. The group at that MDO should realize that.
If you are with her all the time, try short peroids of time when she is with someone else. Ease into it.
You are not doing anything wrong.

From personal experience...I put my oldest daughter in MDO when she was 10 mths old, she cried constantly. They would keep her for an hour or so and then call me to come get her. Eventually she was able to make it for the 9-2:00, but then she wouldn't eat and she still cried alot. I switched her to a different program and she would cry initially, but then got settled. When she was 4 my mother passed away and I had to put both my girls in full time care, they cried every day for 9mths until I switched them again. When I switched them they were a little anxious and cried when I left the first 3 days and that was it. Sorry, I probably took the scenic route in getting to my point...I think it is the place you are taking her to not your daughter. Try a different program and I think you will have better results. If you are in the Woodlands area and I can give you the name of the place my girls go to. They love it.
Good luck.

Yes, she is normal and this will pass! It is her job to touch and put everything in her mouth. That is how she learns and don't stop that. She wants to be with the older kids because they are more fun. Let your mom watch her until this stage passes and then try again when she can go into the older classroom. Or apply at a different MDO! It sounds like they don't have their act together if they react to a 99 degree "temp". My advice is to let her get a little dirty and don't worry too much about it- it builds a stronger immune system. Ha!Ha! Also, you are entering the difficult toddler years and that is all about the toddler acting childish( because they are!) Let it go. Help her explore and be forgiving of the difficult little person she is becoming. It's all a part of the journey. Good luck and God Bless.

G.

You said that MDO is only on Tues. & Thurs? This could be part of the problem. I work with 12-24 month olds in my daycare. I have noticed that the children who only come occasionally are the ones that cry a lot. They cannot become accustomed to the environment because it's not a steady experience everyday.

I have to agree with some of the others though. If you want her to behave in a certain manner, learn your version of social values, and not learn a bunch of bad habits... keep her home!! I would love to keep my kiddos home, but I cannot at this time. As a result, they've learned all kinds of nasty behaviors I'd rather them not know.

Anyway, good luck and Goddess Bless!!
K. L.

For one the place that your daughter was at that said they could not handle her is very immature and unprofessional. It is not like she is throwing, agressive etc. Sounds like a teehing 10 month old. My son was the same way but my day care lady handled it and I have come to realize I do not go out to places where they need to be confined or quiet. Otdoor activities...rodeo, carnivals, car shows, zoo, parks etc. believe me it is not you and she is perfectly normal!! Time will come few more months down the road to look back and laugh!! Keep up the good work!!

It's not your daughter its those people. Find another mdo or just stay home. If they don't accept your daughter they shouldn't get you either!! Don't let them intimidate you. Your daughter has you to protect her. They sound like bullies if she was running a low grade fever its more than likely the teething, plus they should understand that toddlers don't like change and her class has changed. I would get a job at another daycare or just stay home and find some play dates. You can play with her with learing toys and help her develop just as well. Hey could you let us all know what you decide. Good luck, your a really good mom.

I tried to take my daughter to daycare tues & thurs only so I could do the books for my husbands company. She couldn't adjust. I then started taking her to granny and that worked fine. Then I had my son and the business grew. I didn't want my infant in day care, I arranged for granny to watch him and I was ging to put daughter in daycare all week. She was 15 mths and son was newborn. However, my father inlaw retired and they approached me about them keeping both kids just 3 days a week. I was thrilled. WE did this until the business got so big that I had to be there 5 days a week. Granparents were great, but they did spoil the kids and wern't great at disciplining and so we were having a harder and harder time with them. So we knew 5 days weren't going to work. I know they were being well cared for, but they need to learn rules and how to behave. So I checked out day cares signed them up. I ws nervous about my daughter who had hated it before. Well, my son was 16 mths old and daughter was almost 2.5. She was slow going, but my son loved it. He would bounce in the car seat when we got there and he would run to get inside. My daughter not so much, but she di like her teacher and one girl. As the daycare grew and my kids, they moved into different classes. My son was moved into the one year old's class and he can't get out till he is two. He started crying around christmas time everyday at drop off. WEll all his playmates had turned 2 and he was being left behind with what he said were babies. He didn't understand why he couldn't go into the other class. I talked to the daycare, but their hands were tied until the number of infants changed then they could move him up before his birthday. Well, I was just about to pul him out and let granny keep just him all week, since he hated it and then a set of twin newborns came and my son got his shot. They moved him to the two year old class at 21 months and he hasn't cried since. So maybe your daughter is like my son and preferred the company of older kids. My son hates to have his space invaded and infants don't understand spatial boundaries. My daughter is doing great now that she is in the 3 year old class. She had problems in the 2 years old class, never found the reason why. So, her acting out could be that she isn't happy in that particular class. at any rate, you have some decisions to make. Good luck. I will say this though, someone mentioned on here that know one can teach your child better than you and that is false. Other little kids can teach each other faster and better than any adult any day. Only problem is what they are teaching each other! My daughter has picked up some bad habits from both her grandparents and the kids at school. She also has learned loads from both as well. I feel that it is important that kids experience all kinds of things to be well rounded. It is hard to do that on your own. Good luck.

Hello...I'm a sahm of 4. Are you working outside the home? Is that why you need someone to watch your little girl? Or is it just a Mommy Day Out class she's in? She is VERY young....the best person to be with is you! You are her mommy and know what is best for her. Maybe she just wants to spend more time with you. Sounds like a normal 14 month old to me :)

You poor thing. You are not doing ANYTHING wrong!!! She is 14 months and she is just wanting to learn and explore and just soak everything in. Just let her and enjoy it! I have 2 kids who are now 9 and 10 (almost 11) and let me be honest in saying that my husband and I literally had to throw our hands up and say we will not visit another restaurant or even pancake house until the kids turned at least 5. Yes, we were able to go out to eat much sooner, but little ones just need that extra attention at that age so that they can get all messy and yucky:) Those are the best times! Use it as a learning experience and not to try to make her the perfect little princess. My kids also NEVER went to daycare and I feel truly blessed that my mom was able to watch them both. It gave them bonding time and she was able to make sure they ate well, took them to the parks and the zoo and they had a blast. To this day, they love going to grandma's to spend a Friday or Saturday night. Also, my kids have explored more of our city than I have because of the quality time that grandma was able to give them that I could not because I had to work.

So S., although this time may feel like nothing else could go wrong, stay positive and know that you have a healthy child who is eager to explore the world and will become a wonderful adult.

I feel pretty bad about the daycare though. Seems as though their teachers may need a little more training to be able to handle the stress of daycare and crying toddlers. This just may be a blessing in disguise. God never let's these happen for no reason. You'll see:)

Good luck!!!

I totally have to agree with Guille, if you don't HAVE to work, don't. You are your child's best caregiver, period. If you need a break have Grams watch her for a little while a couple times a week so you can go get your toes done or have a nice quiet walk.

The social interaction she gets when you take her somewhere like the park or a playdate should be enough at her age. And as for timeouts and a tap on the hand, doesn't work for my 15 month old... she's just busy, exploring and learning.

Good luck!

Hi S.,

I can totally relate to what you are going through. Your daughter sounds a lot like how my daughter was when she was that age. She is now 5. I was a single mom at the time and the only person that she wanted to be with was me and my sister. She had separation anxiety for a few years and still occasionally is like that. This is nothing that you need to worry about, or medicate. She is still a 'baby', and will learn soon enough what behavior is acceptable. This is a phase that most, if not all, kids go through. The hardest part is staying strong, not giving in, and pray for more and more patience everyday. It sounds like the daycare that your daughter is attending has lost their patience and that is unacceptable. little kids who can't yet talk to us yet, still have a voice. Just because there are no words coming out of her mouth doesn't mean that she isn't telling you something. By her crying the whole time she is there and not calming down within 15 min or so, I personally think is a sign. (this is my own opinion, I am no doctor or anything) I would start with a 'pop-in' at her daycare. It is the law that you are able to come and check on your kid with no warning to the daycare. you can pop-in just for a min to see how your daughter is being treated and what she is doing. Make sure that it is an unannounced pop-in and they aren't expecting you. if you get a bad feeling or vibe at all, then you should act on it by calling the state to have them do an inspection, or by finding a new daycare. I hope that I have been helpful. I would love to hear how everything works out for you.

Many Blessings,
T.

I dont know what advice you have already received and I have never responded to anyone before but you message really touched me. I was a daycare teacher until 1 1/2 months ago whne my dad became terminally ill and needed someone to take care of him. The age I taught 18 - 24 months. To me, it seems that your daughter may just be bored. You said that she seemed to do well when she was with the older children. She may have been challenged to do more just to keep up with them. I dont know how much older the other children she was with were but at this age even a few months can be a dramatic difference. She sounds like a very inquisitve girl and it would be ashame to squash her curiosity. Would it be possible to try her in the class that is a little older to see how she does? Also keep in mind that she lost her teacher and fellow classmates all at the same time. (that can be very stressful for her) I once had a child who cried all day long because she had never been without mom and they had just moved here from the middle east so she didn't understand english very well. It took us about 4 months to get her to a day with no crying. When I left, she was running to the toys and wsving goodbye to mom when dropped off. (She has regressed some since I left but she will do better with time as I'm sure your daughter will too) Be patient with her and the teachers and ask them to be patient with her too. God bless you both.

your little girl sounds normal to me, they want to explore things..in day care she is missing her mommy. she needs you and maybe isn't ready to be without you.I am a firm believer in raising the children you bring into the world. my 6 year old is so secure and well adjusted, I was a stay home mom

Hi S.,
I am raising my two grandchildren ages 28 months ( girl ) and
14 month ( boy ) He is also teething and acting the same way your daughter is, Don't worry it is not you doing anything wrong, Keep Baby Oragel on hand and rub the gums before each meal and nap and bed time I have found that to help.
Hope this helps.
Have a good Day.
J. G.

S.-

This is just my advice, you know your child better then anyone else, especially anyone reading these request/question boards. I actually read them to get ideas for myself, and love all the different ideas-they are helpful. I came across yours and felt the need to respond. I have one child as well, a daughter who is almost 5. I think it is a blessing in disguise for you and your daughter if the school/mothers day out program has choosen to not be able to teach her in their sitting, it sounds like it is not a great fit. At 10 mths of age she is to little and very dependent on you ( so if you do not have to work stay home with her and give her the best enviroment, if you need alone time, have a sitter over one day a week- but do what is best for the two of you) and her teachers- but mostly you. They are little sponges and absorbing everything and wanting to learn about this magnificant world they are in. That is great that she is wanting to explore (touching everything). She is needing a trusting person to do that with- and sounds like maybe she is not getting that at school so she is not enjoying it. Plus teething- what fun is that? She needs to be stimulated with activity (reading, playing, exploring, etc-age appropriate activities). I truly believe that children at 10 or 14 months do not just cry for some odd reason. They are not liking the environment or not feeling well (teething). They are to little to tell you why and explain it like you and I can- so they know to cry b/c that brings attention to them. So give her the attention, affection, security, comfort and most of all time and it will work itself out. You may have to look for another program (mothers day out or sitter) for her and give her time to adapt and get used to it- remember her last experience was not the best for her and she has a bad taste in her mouth about being left at a school. A school that knows this will not have a problem with you spending time with her in the class room, showing her it is safe- our babies trust us- so show her it is okay (this will not always happen in one sitting). Remember that school is there for you and your child- they work for you! So that need to work for you and do what is best for you and your child together. My daughter went through this last year, her first year of school and it is normal. I would sit in the class for a few minutes when I dropped her off. I would talk to the other kids sit down and play. Sometimes helping her engage with another child then sneak out. If the teacher was not with another parent- her teacher would do this for me or us together. I think I had to do it three times and she was fine. It was also right after the Christmas break- so gettign back intothe routine. Once she feels that security and knows you are comfortable she will pick up on your security and trust and probably do much better.
My daughter would also explore and touch everything. I used to try the same approach, tapping her hand and saying no and it drove me crazy. Then I read or got the advice from someone to let her touch it. Who will it hurt. If it is breakable sit down in the store isle and explore it with her. Letting her know it is breakable and to be careful and mommy will help hold it. Think about it this way- they watch us shopping. If you are liek me you liek to pick up and touch items. I am a total touch and feel shopper. So she is exploring like you, you can teach her boundries this way as well. You letting her know htat it is breakable and for adults, or mommies only to touch so you need to help her. Explain it to her why she is not to touch. Next time when she gets a little bigger she will ask to see and touch and for you to help her.
Do not be hard on yourself- you are a great mom b/c you are concerned and reaching out for advice from other moms/ Take a deep breath and ask yourself everytime you feel like your not being a great mom: ask yourself why, it may be just being tired or something so tiny. Maybe being to controlling of the situation (I know I am like that) I have to sit back and ask myself is it really that big of a deal, is it really worth me being upset with her overtouch this or that. How can I switch it to benefit us both- let me get down on her level. This age goes by really fast, so know that! She is like every other toddler out there- growing and learning. By engaging on this level and exploring with her I think you will really help her self confidence and will really allow her to grow to love learning and exploring.But most inportantly you will strenghten your relationship with her by meeting those needs with in her. Know this there is nothign wrong with you she is a baby/toddler and doing what all babies at that age do. I strongly feel that Mother's Day out Program is a problem. A strong, healthy school would have told you that it is normal for your child to be like that especially if they know she is teething or an attached child (which is perfectly normal). They would have known how to work with you and your child to fill those needs for the two of you. To me they sound a bit lazy- be glad they are nto taking carign and helping you grow your child, not the best romodel for a toddler who is absorbing everything.

Blessings! Trust Yourself!
NM

15 months old is PRIME TIME for separation anxiety. She is will adapt, it just takes time. And if she's teething, it would certainly be harder for her to deal with it. The MDO teachers should know that.

There was a boy in my son's MDO class who cried all day. It was disruptive and annoying (especially at nap time). Other kids would "catch" the crying bug too when moms would leave like it was contagious. The mom was concerned, but knew it was temporary and that he would adapt, it just took him longer than most. She compromised by picking him up before naptime. She also made her goodbye really quick and allowed him to bring his comfort toy (a toy Thomas engine). It seemed like it took forever, but it's fine now.

I'm not sure exactly what the problem is. But, it sounds like your daughter might not be obeying well. I'm not talking about the crying. But, if you're having trouble with her as well, then you need to come down harder on her to obey you and others. Especially the word NO. She is at an age that wants to get into everything. That is normal. But, she is also at the age where she desperately needs to be trained to obey no matter what (for her safety and for her character). If you don't set up boundaries and be consistent with them now, you will have lots of trouble later. I've never heard of anyone not wanting to babysit due to crying. But, I hear a lot of people not wanting to babysit due to disobedience. I would make sure she is obeying first. The crying might be because she doesn't like being told no. In the other class, she was probably given a lot of attention by the older kids. Now she is just one of the kids who has to follow directions. That being said...my son had to be put into daycare for a short while. He was hoarse everyday. I figured he was getting sick. Come to find out, he was crying all day long. I hated it. There were a couple of days when he seemed fine and I was told he had a good day. Those days, he had a sub. He evidently didn't like or feel safe with that other teacher. Luckily, he only had to be there 3 weeks as I pulled him out ASAP. Since you know your daughter is becoming a handful, then I would make sure you get all the facts and deal directly with her on the issues and be firm. If she's crying for other reasons, then you probably did the right thing by pulling her out. Either way, now is the oh so important age to make sure she understands how to follow instructions and obey. She will test the limits and you have to prove to be the stronger and more stubborn one. In the far away future, she will thank you for it.

It sounds like she might actually be ready for a class for older babies over a year instead of a class with kids under a year - if there are just a bunch of younger kids in the class (maybe not) but if there are, that could be the problem. If she is one of the only ones walking or getting around, of course she is going to "stand out," as the problem as the others are just blobs. She may just not be in the right kind of class. Don't blame her or yourself. Kids move in and out of stages and I am sure there is nothing wrong with her. You also can't control your child in daycare at this age when you are not with her. It is also totally normal for a child her age not to want to sit still - she knows how to get around now so she wants to do it! Take it easy on yourself, she's normal!

I don't usually respond to these request but I thought you should be aware of somethings. First, seperation anxiety usually starts between 13-18 months. This is when babies 'realize' you are leaving them and may not 'be there' when they want you. This is quite tramatic for them and guess what - they cry. If the environment in the classroom was one of love and care, after about 2-3 weeks your child's crying should demish (if she can't see you during the course of the day). You said, the teacher couldn't handle it and left? Was this blamed on your child or was it because the age spread in the classroom was too wide or the teacher didn't realize what is required for infant childcare? Finally, when babies become mobile - they discover there is a whole new world out there to explore. They learn by touching and unfortunately, putting things in their mouth. I did alot of chasing and redirection of attention - give her something for each hand that she can play with. I have been involved with teaching preschoolers for about 8 years now and everything you have said seems pretty normal.

SaHM, MDO Director, Tues/Thurs while my girls are at school; they are 10 and 13

This is random but have you tried Hylands Teething tablets? You can get them at CVS in the oral health care aisle. They are fabulous and all natural. You just put a few in her mouth and they dissolve instantly. at 14 months your daughter (who sounds normal to me)can't tell you what is bugging her. She could be going through speration anxiety as well when you drop her off- she most likely knows you are still there but not with her. This is the age when they are taking their world in and she learns best by experiencing her world through all 5 senses. She will be very busy and that is great. Being hard to deal with is a very broad and genreal statement that does you absolutely no good- ask questions , get details.I teach Kindergarten so I know the more info you can give parents the better but it needs to be specific. IF the teachers can't elaborate it might just be them and not your daughter. Also, an easy and fun book on toddlers- The happiest Toddler on the Block by Dr Harvey Karp.

I have been there. I was a stay at home mom until Samantha was 15 months. She hated daycare. It broke my heart. She cried for months. I cried- normally in the parking lot after they pryed her off of me so I could head off to work. It probably sounds like I am a terrible mom, but she wouldn't go to anyone except me. We found a great teacher at the school- patience of Job. Samantha was also a toucher/taster/and picked up everything. To a degree, we let her. It is a big way that kids learn. It is TOTALLY normal. My recommendation, talk to the school- see if they have a class they can put her in with older kids. She probably thrived on the challenges and maturity. (for kids.) If they can't do it, you may want to look at another program.
Your daughter sounds like she enjoyed the stimulation/challenges presented to the older kids. She is curious and wants to explore. I would say as long as she is not going to hurt herself or someone else- let her explore. Remember, skinned knees heal. Kids get bumps and bruises. Most of the time, those are the fun memories they had as kids.
Enjoy- it goes by way too fast.

hi S....i'm going to echo "Guille"'s advice...its time to get her back home. God trusted YOU with her..and Dylan trusts YOU...so bring her home. If you really need to supplement your income, ask God for another solution...he's faithful you know. You are doing a great job as her mother...its hard to mommy full-time when you're at work though. i want to encourage you and your family to make choices that will enable you to hang with your kiddos at home and shape them into the people God created them to be.

blessings,
M.

I can't believe the women at the day care are making you feel like your child is the only child that has ever cried. Look into finding a job at a different MDO program. You Daughters behavior is PERFECTLY normal. Toddlers don't like change much, add teething to that and you will probably get a cranky child.

First of all, your 14 mo child does not belong in a class for 12 mo and younger. Especially since she has been in a class for older children since she was 10 mo.

I would talk to the day care about moving her into a group of appropriately aged children with appropriate activities for her age. If they are unwilling or incapable find another day care or care giver situation for your child.

Secondly, Your daughter may be crying excessively due to heightened stranger anxiety caused by recent events with the changes at the day care center. It is hard on kids to have their routines upset. Once you find a new rountine for her you may need to stay a little longer with her in the ams and explain to the care giver/day care center that you daughter is experiencing a bit of a rough time at the moment..but rest assured she will settle into the new routine if you reassure her that everything is okay. Make sure the Day Care/Care Giver also does their part ot reassure your daughter she is in a safe place an will have a good time.

I hope this helps..

Good Luck...

Youaren't doing anythign wrong. About three months ago when my sweet easy daughter was 14 months she was replaced by an alien. :) I use to be able to leave her with peole but now she crys the whole time. I don't leave her often but I joined the gym in Jan and since then she won't stay with people. Before that she was fine. I think it's the seperation anxiety thing. She is a little better. It depends on her teeth or if she got a bug etc...

I also think some of it is the teachers/care givers. Some are better then others. If you are worried about soaclizing her then I would highly reccommend a mothers group. They are all over the city. http://www.northaustinmothersclub.org/ is the group I belong. I meet with my play group once a week and it is so great.

I plan to go read the advice peopel give you. I want to know what I can do for my 17 month old girl.

I just wanted you to know you aren't alone. It gets better. It's just a phase. Also I think the time out thing really dosen't stat to compute till around 18mts - 2 years. I just did some reading on it because I wanted to know when the best time to introduce it would be...but all kids are differant.

Also watch for the tapping of the hand. It will let her know that is okay and then when she enters the hitting stage (yes, that's coming soon) it will be confusing that she can't "tap" your hand. I know it's hard. I really do. The best advice I got was to redirect when they are this age. It's hard sometimes but it works.
GOOD LUCK!

Your baby is totally normal! And can you imagine what she must think? Mommy leaves me here- why is mommy leaving me here?!

I have worked in daycare for years and it is perfectly normal for her to be difficult, whiny (hey, she's not used to being away from mom) and curious (that's why she wants down to touch everything.)

Since you work for MDO for her to have some play time, why don't you quit working there (you said you were going to have you mom watch her anyway) and join a mommy play group or something.

S., mom to four girls ages 12 months to 5 years.

My daughter is this age too. She also acts the same way. I refer to it as either a) being a pill or b) being a stinker.
I could be really wrong...but this is what I do.
When she starts that "I have to touch and be in everything and I wont listen and will cry when you take it away" mode, I turn and ignore her. Not for very long. About 60 to 90 seconds is all it takes for her to figure out that I am not going to witness that behaviour. Funny, she doesnt seem to want to act out when she doesnt have an audience.
I think that at this age, they are testing the waters. My kid will actualy give me a look like, "Hmmm?, I wonder how long I can push this ladys buttons!!?!"
Kids these days!!!
Margaret :)