Which age group do you think is easy to look after?

[playfelt]

If it's any consolation, the children that start out asserting themselves and crying can become your best most well adjusted children in the long run because right from day one they are taking responsibility for themselves. Recognize the child is angry at the parents for leaving him and that it has nothing to do with you. Do not feel compelled to try and "make it all better" by carrying all day or being at his beck and call. It is ok to let him be on the floor or in a playpen with toys or highchair with snack or toy and let him cry if "he chooses" - remember it is his choice to cry. And it will be his choice to stop. Actually the less you try to cater to him the faster it stops in many cases. Trying to make it better actually confuses the child into thinking there really is something wrong and worth crying about. When the crying becomes just for his own benefit he may lose interest and start to play. Chances are he has not been left by his parents with anyone else very often if all other than well known people like grandparents. If you can hang in there is should get better and fingers crossed it is quickly. My screamer that started in Sept took two weeks and now she is just a dream. Her screaming was so bad her parents admitted when they came to pick her up on day one that they discussed all the way over if she would be allowed to come back the second day or would I be handing them there walking papers because they knew their child so well. Over time caregivers can learn to tune out much of the crying too and that helps a ton also.

If I have my choice I will take them at 9-10 months over a year old. My next favourite is between 15-18 months. After that they have learned too many bad habits. I would much rather start a 1 year old than and 2-3 year old for the same reason others have given. They learn my rules and expectations right from the beginning.