1yr DCG Crying Constantly

[Lefse&Kids]

I have had this little girl for nearly 2 months, 5 days a week for 4 hours a day. The issue I seem to have is she constantly wants me in the room within 5 feet of her. If I am not, she will whine and if I leave the room for any reason she will cry and scream like she got hurt. At first, I thought it was just a transition but now I'm not sure. I have other toddlers and infants to care for and won't be constantly right next to her all the time. I don't believe that giving in to her desire to always be right next to me is helpful for her either. I don't let her crying stop me from doing what I need to do, but always hearing the tantrums (what I call them) is tiring.

I try to show her in a happy way that I'll be back quickly when I leave the room, but I don't think its helping.

I have noticed that when she doesn't "think" about me being in the room, she plays and explores great, but that doesn't last long. We've had a few good days where she is all too happy to explore and play by herself, so I know its not because she is scared.

I have noticed she doesn't like "in your face" play/excitement, she seems to like calm activities.

I spend about 10 minutes of transition time with her when she arrives doing puzzles with her, which she enjoys.

Any insight or tips would be helpful on how to handle the situation better. Extra info, nap time used to be horrible - 30 minutes of screaming/crying (parents said that is normal). Now its down to between 5-10 minutes.

[countrymom]

I just got rid of one just like this. She started at 6 months and lasted one year. I'm sorry but it just didn't get better. I talked to the parents but mom said one thing dad said another. I came to the conclusion that she was a spoiled brat and she ruled the roost at home. She hated anyone that came to the house, she would scream if I was on the phone, she screamed if she wasn't the center of attention. The last straw was that she was being mean to the other kids, she would bite them, hoard toys, push them, kick them, color the furniture and the worst was that she started to choke the other kids and she thought it was funny. Oh she was 18months when she left. Now that she is gone, there is no more stress among the children, the kids are not afraid of someone stealing their toys, I can't believe what a difference it has been. I stuck it out for a long time, but if you can get a replacement do it.

[Lefse&Kids]

I just got rid of one just like this. She started at 6 months and lasted one year. I'm sorry but it just didn't get better. I talked to the parents but mom said one thing dad said another. I came to the conclusion that she was a spoiled brat and she ruled the roost at home. She hated anyone that came to the house, she would scream if I was on the phone, she screamed if she wasn't the center of attention. The last straw was that she was being mean to the other kids, she would bite them, hoard toys, push them, kick them, color the furniture and the worst was that she started to choke the other kids and she thought it was funny. Oh she was 18months when she left. Now that she is gone, there is no more stress among the children, the kids are not afraid of someone stealing their toys, I can't believe what a difference it has been. I stuck it out for a long time, but if you can get a replacement do it.

Thanks, my business is still in its baby stages I'll have to stick it out. She is an only child, so her parents can and do (from what I see) attend to her every groan, I know they mean well though. I find this trend among young first time parents, they say they can't stand to hear their child cry and then wonder why they through such fits. If only parents understood that crying through fustration is not all bad. Hopefully, my dcg won't start being mean, right now she is a stick to herself girl (except to me) but will offer her toys to others, so thats good. Here's my fingers crossed it gets better. Its a good thing I don't get stressed out easily.

[heather]

My kids both did this at this age but by 1 1/2 would wander off into rooms by themselves. I am still getting started so not a lot of experience with DC kids but saw that at my DDs day care the 1 yr olds did this. They would cry when the teacher left the room and/or crawl or toddle after her. I think they are going thru separation anxiety at this age and you just have to put up with it, or find a way to go from room to room less. May be why professional DCs tend to be open plan. I would be very careful judging the parents because as I have 2 kids I know that kids can be very different by nature and it is not always down to upbringing. I also know from child development theory that an attachment to the caregiver is a sign of healthy development and a sign of a good childcare provider.

[Lefse&Kids]

My kids both did this at this age but by 1 1/2 would wander off into rooms by themselves. I am still getting started so not a lot of experience with DC kids but saw that at my DDs day care the 1 yr olds did this. They would cry when the teacher left the room and/or crawl or toddle after her. I think they are going thru separation anxiety at this age and you just have to put up with it, or find a way to go from room to room less. May be why professional DCs tend to be open plan. I would be very careful judging the parents because as I have 2 kids I know that kids can be very different by nature and it is not always down to upbringing. I also know from child development theory that an attachment to the caregiver is a sign of healthy development and a sign of a good childcare provider.

Thanks for the reminder and compliment! It is easy to say its the parents and I definitely don't want to become bitter towards the kids or the parents. I too have two kids and was lucky enough to get ones that have relaxed temperments (at least at home).

I love the kids I get (not always the behavior), as teaching and guiding kids is a strong passion of mine, but perhaps there is a learning curve to daycare?

My mother has done daycare (i call it that but she does it for free because she loves doing it so much). So maybe a glorified grandma? Anyway, she has taught me to see past any behavior and love on the child, because no child wants to behave like a "spoiled brat". Easy to forget this in the moment though.

I see some perspectives and need to look at my specific situation.