So after checking out some other posts from users I'm guessing this is more of a forum for daycares that take place in a home setting. Although I've had a bit experience in this kind of setting before, my issue takes place in more of a business daycare environment, but I thought I'd still post something.

About a month ago we got a new baby, who had just turned 12 months. Like most people, when there's a baby crying, asking to be picked up and comforted, I will. So, naturally, I do this with our new baby.

This morning I had eight kids to myself, ranging in ages from 12 months to 6 years. This baby was the youngest there. I was sitting on the ground with some of the kids and the baby, but I had to get up to do something quickly. At this time the Director of the daycare came in to the room to get something. As I was talking with the Director, the baby, like he usually does when I have to leave his side, came crawling towards me crying. At first I squatted down, letting him hold on to my shoulders as I tried to comfort him, but after a minute of that not working and him still showing that he wanted up, I did pick him up. Almost immediately the Director said, "Olivia, put him down." I did as told, and went back to squatting with the baby even though he went back to crying.

The Director went on to say things like "You're the only one he does this with." and "You shouldn't be picking him up." and how I "should be trying to get him to plays with toys instead."

I felt insulted (mostly because of the way she said these things) and defensive. I tried to explain to her that he was trying to communicate a need and she brushed it off saying he wasn't.

This Director is relatively new to this field, and she pretty much has about as much experience as I do. We both only how our level one in ECE. I do try to get him engaged with toys or other things to help with the crying, but as she isn't in the room that often, it's like she only ever sees me just picking him up. She feels that I can't give the other children the attention they need if I'm so focused on the baby. But how can I not be so focused on him? He's barely a year old! Plus, in any situation, I find it hard to give 8 children equal attention.

Anyways, this is just a little 12 month old we're talking about. Is it bad that he is kind of attached to me? It would feel so wrong to not pick him up just because he doesn't have such an obvious need like being hurt or needing to be changed. I'm only 18, I have so much more to learn, but I feel like I should stand my ground with this. And I feel that if his mother walked in on a situation where one of the staff was saying "Oh, you don't need to be picked up." (as they usually do when he is asking to be), she would not be impressed. So, thoughts? Suggestions?