Is your babe in arms literally in your arms all day long, fussing the minute you put him down for any reason, even to play? While wielding around an eight-month-old is sure to buff your biceps, it doesn't give you much chance to meet your own needs, or those of anyone else in your household aside from your mini-dictator. Plus, it doesn't allow your little bruiser to flex his own muscle and develop important skills like sitting, crawling, and cruising. If you're ready to bust the back-breaking habit, try this gentle step-by-step plan:
1. Give the right kind of attention. Make sure that he's getting your undivided devotion several times a day, whether it's while you tickle his tummy, read him a story, or stack blocks for him to knock over. If you fill his tank with this Mommy time, he may be more willing to play independently at other times of day.
2. Get physical. Is he really fussing just to be held, or is something else going on? Maybe he's hungry, thirsty, wet, or tired. Maybe he needs his diaper changed more often (some babies couldn't care less, some like a clean, dry bottom) or perhaps his nap schedule needs some minor adjustments. Experiment a bit to see if meeting one of these needs does the trick.
3. "I'm bored." He can't whine like a toddler or roll his eyes like a teen, but he may just be looking for a change of scenery. If he was playing on the floor in his room, try switching him to a new locale like the kitchen. Banging on a pot with a wooden spoon while you get dinner together is a surefire baby-pleaser — if you can take the racket.
4. Provide plenty of playthings. Once he's settled in a new spot, offer him a few entertaining items — things he likes but hasn't played with recently.
5. Teach him how. Is he still fretting, despite his tantalizing toys? Maybe he needs a quick how-to. Roll his jingly ball so he can hear its noise, or show him how to bang on his toy piano.
6. Peekaboo! Once he's having some fun (or even if he protests a bit), tell him you need to leave for a minute, and then do it. (You're not going far — just out of his line of vision.) On your way out, do a few quick peekaboos around the corner so he starts to learn that even when you go away, you'll come back soon.
7. Reunited, and it feels so good. After a few minutes, return to your baby's side and play with him for a while. Each time you leave, stay away a bit longer, even if he's unhappy (but avoid waiting until he's screaming to come back, or he'll quickly jump right to howling next time he wants you). Send the message: A little alone time is good. After all, absence makes the heart grow fonder.
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