I'm glad you started this post today! I had a 12 month old start recently and was feeling a bit cold as well.

I've never transitioned a new one before, and this one cries... A lot. She's only happy when I'm holding her and standing up... Seriously, I'll usually sit on the floor and let the kids sit with/on me, and she will still bawl her eyes out. Picking the kids up is generally a no for me (unless I'm helping up the stairs or something), because I have a 2 year old with a tendency to be clingy if I allow it and my own 20 month old who would love to be held up too; and I just can't do the stuff that needs to be done while holding someone, and I don't want them getting accustomed to it.

But yeah, despite my reasoning and wanting her to grow more independent, I still feel bad too.


If a kid is genuinely hurt (physically or emotionally), I'll give hugs and comfort them with words. If they miss mom or dad, I'll tell them 'I know you're sad, but mom/dad will be here soon' and encourage them to play. My pet peeve is kids who cry for attention, so if the child says their ok and want to continue playing, the tears stop there. If they continue to scream and cry I tell them they might need a break (to sit with me) before playing again. That usually solves the problem as if they really are hurt/upset, I'm still there to give comfort (I don't dote on them though), so it's not like a punishment, and if they are 'exaggerating' they don't get to play