Screaming baby. WDYD?

[babydom]

What do you do when you have a child (9mths) scream bloody murder every time you leave the room? I can't always take him with me, ie. bathroom, diaper changes. At lunch he'll scream in highchair with food and toys. And the worst part is no tears just screams. I pick him up and instantaneously he stops and smiles. I say NO and he very well understands. Screaming when I leave the playroom is disruptive. Sets the other kids off crying and when I'm doing a drop off or pick up I can just see the look on the parents faces as in thinking I just beat the kid. Yes I can carry him to the door but this will be a bad habit. Can't live on my hip, right? any pointers? TIA,

[Rachael]

I had this with my most recent and I'll admit, it was brutal and I was close to terminating. Now, though, she's likely the biggest personality we have.

I make a point of not picking up children just because they are screaming to be picked up and it's hard, I'm not denying that but it's just delaying the inevitable so I just don't start. What I will do is make sure I spend a lot of time on the floor with them when we are home. Lots of interaction play, distractions, and lots of praise and encouragement, every except picking them up when upset.

What I also do, is make a point of putting them on my lap at story time or anytime I'm on the floor, as long as they aren't crying. That re-enforces that there's still lots of cuddles but not if you scream for attention.

It look longer for her not to freak out if I left the room but gradually it got better.

[k8who]

I agree with Rachael. Try not to pick him up when he is screaming. Try distractions or instructions "why don't you find a toy, you'd like to play with" and help him find something he likes. He's pretty little still so it's understandable he is clingy. Good luck!