My 7 month old screams and cries as soon as he is left alone in a room. I left him in his playpen in the other room and he has been crying for over 20 minutes. Completely, non-stop ...

anyone have any suggestions?

I've tried putting him in his entertainment center, the play pen with his favorite toys. Putting the TV on ... it doesn't seem to matter. I am a single Mom with this one, I can not keep on in this manner. I'm at a loss

 

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7 months is about the time that separation anxiety kicks in IIRC.

Short of keeping him in a backpack, he's going to want to be with you 24/7. Is it possible you can move his playpen so he can see you or ? That's what I did with Matthias when I had to work in the kitchen, etc and he wouldn't stand to be alone in a room.

 

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Like I suggested on the other board, play peek a boo with him a lot just to get him used to not seeing you all the time. When he starts thinking peek a boo is fun, start playing hide and seek with him where he knows where you're at but you're gone longer periods of time. You can hide and talk to him ('Where's Mommy? Can you find Mommy?) at the same time so he hears your voice but doesn't actually see you and then pop out and surprise him.

Alternately, if you need to get stuff done and having him in a central place where he can see you coming and going, you may need to let him just cry it out. Just don't encourage him by approaching him directly when he cries - walk by but don't acknowledge him or pick him up.

Silver

 

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both ladies are correct, try that lyli

 

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I'm geographically single atm and Brokk started that when I stopped working at 10 months. He still does it a bit. What I do is reassure him verbally and let him cry it out. I also will talk to him from where ever I'm at, like if i'm cleaning. Usually singing and running in every now and again making a goofy dance cheers him up.

 

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