I need to rant and reassurance please

My 18 month has been suffering with separation anxiety. It's at its worse when other people are around including her dad. I spend the most time with my daughter since she was born and she only goes to nursery a few hours a week. For a few months now when friends/family/partner is around she only wants me. She will scream if anyone tries to pick her up. She is a very confident, energetic girl and is so smiley. But when I'm around anyone she hates it. It's making it really difficult to socialise. My partner tonight has told me he thinks my anxiety has effected her. This has completely broken me because I have done everything I can for that not to effect her. He says I'm too easy on her because he thinks I have an issue with her crying. Yes it does stress me out but it's frustrating when I'm trying to cook ( for example) and have help but yet I have a screaming baby at my ankles. She is hard work and we have had alot of comments on her being a sassy I just feel so criticised when all I'm doing is my very best
Like
Share Mobile
Share
  • Share

Show your support

Hey hope you're okay. He has no idea the stress of our babies crying does to us. You are doing your best, and that is all you can do. Remember this is just a phase and I know its easier said than done because people tell me that too but it will get better. She just needs you. You are doing great mama ❤️

I think this all sounds really developmentally normal! Most kids go through a period of separation anxiety. My son is a massive mummies boy and even if his dad tries to give me a cuddle he pushes him away says no and then lays where dad was laying giving him evils 😂 If I’m trying to do something my son won’t be held by dad has to be me so even if dads free I often end up doing something with LO sat on my lap or beside me! Point being it’s not anything you’ve done, your LO is just being a toddler it’ll pass x

This is a normal phase that all children go through at some point or another regardless of whether a mother has anxiety or not. You are doing a fantastic job, she sees you as her safe person and that's why she behaves this way. You haven't done anything wrong! A sassy little girl is hard on her parents but she's also exactly who the world needs more of! You're raising a queen! 👑

This behaviour is SO normal at this age. Seperation anxiety spikes around 18 months and will last a while. It’s normal as they still very much need you to survive. By holding them and picking them up and comforting them when they cry you are ensuring they feel secure and your meeting their needs. Honestly, long term, doing this will make your LO more secure in future relationships. It’s not your anxiety causing this. Xx

Read more on Peanut
Trending in our community