She's 8 months old not 8!!

[jconney80]

I knew this would happen. We are on vacation. We are visiting lots of in-laws who haven't met my youngest two kids yet (28 mos & 8 mos). Everyone wants to hold my youngest but she HATES other people holding her or touching her. She will smile at people from the Boba when hubby or I wear her but she will not let anyone else hold her. Even my mom who she sees the most. She screams her head off and won't stop. So, I really don't like stressing her out by even trying. I have tried giving her to family members but as soon as she cries I take her back.

My SIL keeps telling me it's not normal and she thinks she's autistic too. She gave me this big lecture about how I'm enabling her and I need to break this habit or bondage now. I was like how is it a habit?? I explained to her that even if she is autistic she is still an infant who doesn't understand object permanence yet. She still needs her emotional needs met and probably more so because she's very sensitive or scared of a lot of things. I'm in no rush to get her over her fear of strangers. I think it's silly how people think you need to "break this habit NOW" or they will NEVER be independent. Please! I will expose her to other people slowly and help her adjust to different things slowly.

I'm so tired of hearing this about her! I met my sons needs the same as I meet hers and he isn't scared of people. So, obviously my parenting isn't doing it! Basically, I told her I don't agree and that's that. I just get annoyed. I guess I've been spoiled so far. I'm never around in laws or other family who I have to defend my parenting ways with lol.

[msiever]

Oh brother. Of course she prefers you at that age!! Especially with all these new people she has no clue about. They need to get a grip and realise this IS normal. Put her in a wrap or a sling. People don't even try to take your baby from you when you are wearing her. Or at least considerate people don't . :P

[msiever]

Another thing, people need to RESPECT babies. And children, period. So many people don't, and think they can push themselves on them without considering their personal space and preferences.

[FebPenguins]

I like to remember that I am my childs voice. If I know that my child doesn't or won't like something it is my job as a mother to express that. Most children don't/won't "talk back" to an adult. Problem is, when that child NEEDS to say no (ie abuse) he/she won't know that it is okay to say NO~even to an adult. Make sense?

My children don't like to always give grandparents hugs/kisses, I will NEVER force my child to "edure" this because the grandparents think it is rude. I will try to get them to give high fives or wave goodbye.

[Claudiajane]

My daughter has always been very attached to me, loved being held, cosleeping, etc. Heard from family members same as you. While other kids born around the same time were left with babysitters, extended family and daycare I stayed home and kept her with me pretty much 24/7 until she was 2 then my husband and him only was allowed to care for her away from me. Did not care what others said but felt really alone in whole thing. Commitment to her happiness and comfort and jus tfeeling so strongly in my heart kept me going. Her well being always did and still does come over anyone else's feelings or advice. At 3 she started coming out and being friendly with strangers and family alike. At a family party this past weekend she had the absolute best time, played with everyone and everything. Three of the other four there her age had temper tantrums, pouting sessions, shyness to the point of crying and just generally were unhappy. Took everything I had not to say I told you she would be more social when she was ready!!,

[tabi_cat1023]

Grrr people irritate me, so glad my inlaws are not that way..well one set anyways

[illegallyblonde]

I just read an interesting article the other day about this. I'll see if I can find it. In sum, it basically states its not your body so we shouldn't force our kids to do things they don't feel comfortable doing. Like going with other people, kissing people and hugging people. It was really interesting.

I think it was actually a CNN article.

[illegallyblonde]

I'm mobile and can't get a link. It's from CNN and called I don't own my child's body.

Quoting illegallyblonde:

I just read an interesting article the other day about this. I'll see if I can find it. In sum, it basically states its not your body so we shouldn't force our kids to do things they don't feel comfortable doing. Like going with other people, kissing people and hugging people. It was really interesting.



I think it was actually a CNN article.