Separation Anxiety - Effort,PA

I have 3 kids, my youngest is 16 months old, a 2year old is in the middle and the oldest is 5 and without the "anxiety" part I still can't get 30 seconds to pee!!! My living room is our safest room. I have a gate on the steps and a gate seperating the living room and dining room. I don't allow my kids into the kitchen often, it is very small and not a kid safe area. That being said, I gate them into the living room if I have to go swap laundry or fill the dishwasher, or run out into the backyard and scream for a minute... When I want some time to get things done I put on cartoons or a video. They all LOVE the backyardigans - lots of singing and dancing and even the youngest sings and dances along - as well as baby einstein videos, Thomas is a big hit too for my little ones. Playhouse disney in the morning has good cartoons that will keep their attention. You could also put some different toys out for him when you know you want to go try and get something done for a few minutes. Blocks, megabloks and wooden puzzles are great for this age too. I don't care who you are, you need a few minutes to breathe! Don't feel too bad, tell him you'll be back and then don't make a huge deal when you do re-appear.

He is still so young...if possible, don't leave him yet. If you need a break put on some elmo movie or something and sit with him while he watches it. ( I don't advocate lots of tv but if you need a break it might help). Maybe try a backpack like the Ergo if you want to carry him while you do stuff or go on walks. Just sounds like he really loves his mom....my son was the same way and it will change although I'm sure right now it doesn't feel like it. hang in there!

I remember those days and how trapped you can feel by a little person who won't even let you leave their sight for a minute. Trust me, it will pass. What I did during those phases was to start playing with the baby and get them interested in something, and then say "Mommy has to go in the other room for a minute" (to check on something, put something away, etc.). Then get up and go to the other room for only a minute, and continue talking to him as you go. He'll still fuss, but he'll gradually get used to it and realize that you'll come back. As he gets more comfortable, you can stretch the time apart gradually. Obviously you still need to be close enough to make sure he stays out of harm (and only leave him in a kid-safe area) and to provide for what he needs, but it is important for children to develop the ability to entertain themselves and be alone sometimes. Good luck!

Hi, C.:

How come your baby is behind a baby gate? Is there some reason that you can't take your baby with you?

Just want to know the details. D.

Dear C.:
I can see your dilema. Little boys love their Mom's different than little girls. I can tell you this much....he sees you as his avenue for many life experiences. You must teach him somethings that will help him grow into his own person. I have found that the"Better Baby Institute" teaches parents to be better parents so that the infants, toddlers, children can be better infants, toddlers and children. It gives them the opportunity to understand life at multiple levels: math, english, foreign languages, music, whatever you and your spouse choose for him to learn and grow. Please visit the site www.iahp.org and you will see for yourself. My first born was able to read (sound out)any 3 letter word at 2 yr. 9 mos. Sight words were many and her vocabulary at age 5 was well over 1000 different words. You can do this and believe me, he wil not miss you. It takes time making the bits; however, I recommend that you buy the math bits. I gave them to a niece for her child.....she could not believe how enthrawled her infant/toddler was! You have got to see it to believe it. Don't waste any more time...make the investment....you won't be sorry.
Happy Motherhood,
E.