I Have a Question.

I would recommend looking at the book TouchPoints by Barry Brazelton. Your local library probably has it. It will reassure you that this is probably a stage and will give you a preview of other behaviors you have to look forward to ;-)

My 15 months old went through a Mommy stage and a Daddy stage. She is now acting a bit more shy and bashful in public because she's realizing she's an individual and she can walk walk away, which can be scary. About 6 months ago she would just crawl away without looking back.

We also have a 4 year old neice and remember when she went through these stages and that has helped us recognize what is happening with out daughters development. Brazelton's book has also helped us recognize what is happening and made us more confident parents.

You really need to nip that now while she is still in a crib. She will cry but after a few days she should realize that is where she belongs. I have 3 year old triplets and went through that with all three of them. Thank God for king size beds! Seriously, it may really bother you to hear her cry but it will work. Within a week, she should be fine.

Hi, my daughter, 15 mths old, is the same exact way with me. As hard as it will be for you, you have to help her be more independent. At first she'll cry and follow you around everywhere hanging on your leg, but slowly but surely she'll start to do her own thing. Let her know by a little hug and kiss and some reasuring words that you love her and that you're still here, but she needs to go and play. My Husband says things like, "She doesn't even like me" which I can understand why he would feel this way, when I'm around she pushes him away. Very stressful for me, because when my Hubby gets home I need a break. Your daughter will be ok, she'll just get mad because she's so used to having you at her beck and call. We had the same bedtime issues, not anymore, you'll have to lay down the law with that too. I would just go cold turkey, like I said before, it will be harder on you because of the crying tearing your heart out, believe me I know. But it's best for your daughter if you foster good and consistant sleep habits now, the longer you wait the harder it will get. I used to put my headphones on or a pillow over my ears. Don't get me wrong, I balled my eyes out, but that put my Hubby to work consoling me. I'm planning on buying Nanny Jo's book, we have some disapline problems, a temper, and a very strong personality on our hands lately. I know Jo has stuff on sleep and lots of other stuff, try it out. Good luck Girlfriend, you'll get through it, just be strong from the start and it will all be over before you know it. ; }

C.,
Separation anxiety peaks around this age, and it will pass I promise! My dd is also firmly attached, and sleeps with me, and goes everywhere with me. Think of it this way- she is expressing a need when she protests when you leave. She's telling you she needs you to be there for her. At her age, she's just learning that she can move away from you, and although it's exciting for her, it's also scary. And she's also just learning object/person permanence- that something still exists even when she can't see it. When you leave the room without her, keep contact using your voice, letting her know that you'll be right back. Don't sneak away from her- once she realizes you've disappeared, she will be even more upset and confused. And like I said, this will pass. It's such a small amount of time that she'll be this little.

All good advice from everyone. You really need to get her out of your bed fast or it will get even harder to get her into her own bed. Cold turkey is the way. She will cry and break your heart but it is best for her.

I will mot be too much help to you because I am going through the same thing except he will sleep in his own bed but god forbid if I go into the other room without him. My dr said that it is just a phase they go through. I have been trying to deal with it for about 4 months now and nothing yet. Sorry I wush that I could of helped better :(

N.

Hi Chirstine,
You have real good advice from everyone here...The only other thig I can add to go along with what has been said to do is find a friend,family member..Ask them to help you out and this why,ask that watch the little one for just a few then you go either to the bathroom or another room for starters.As time goes on then start going out of the house may it be out back just some place just out of site of the child..This will help the child understand that when you go you will be back..I would take baby steps on this and work you way up to aleast an half our..I say this because we went through the same thing I am not by no means saying this will be easy or it will happen over night but it does work.. Make sure that you always give her a hug good bye and always say I will be back..When you do get back give hugs and kisses..In time she will understand that when mommy leaves she will be back and she will get use to this..

Now for you lol You need to brake yourself from giving into her crying,sleeping with you...I do not mean to sound mean at all but you will have work with youself to brake habbits that is helping her stay at your side..When I was told this I was like WHAT!!!! I am a good mom..The Dr. Told me it's not that your a bad mom but you need to learn that it is ok for you daughter to stay outside the bathroom door and cry when you use it.. Her crying will not hurt her one bit..I have to tell you It took me a long time to work with myself on this..Every time she got into the bed I would get up and put her into her bed but then I made a nother problem I would lay down with her in her big girl bed BAD MOVE ON MY PART..So be carefull on how you do things so as you do not fix one problem and make another one...Good Luck to you Remember we arw all here for you should you need a sounding board,some one to talk to, some one to listen or what ever you need we are here :-)