My son attends crèche a few times a week. He will be very clingy before I leave him and then will scream and cry when I leave. What approach should I have?
Be calm and consistent.
Have the same phrase each time you leave and return, and have a happy face yourself.
Keep the goodbye short and positive, dragging it out simply make sit harder.
If possible, start at the same activity each week, e.g. the playdoh table, so that he has that security each time.
Practice leaving him at home with dad on the weekends so he learns you always come back.
Almost all little ones go through this stage, and if you calmly work through it, they will develop the assurance and awareness that it is only for a short time.
I try to have a bit of on-on-one time with my son each day. How do I know how much he needs?
So glad to hear you are developing self-pay adeptness in your little one. This is a great skill to carry through life.
Balance your day between time with your child (focus play), time near your child (side-by-side activities) and independent play time (time alone).
Many mums aim for 2 focus play times each day, from 10 - 30 minutes in length each.
Mums with lots of children aim for once a day for 5 - 10 minutes each. One creative mother of 7 had a special night for each child. If 'bear' appeared on their pillow, they knew it was their night to 'help' mum with dinner and have a special time with her afterwards.
Should you provide food/toys for a 1 -2 year old for sitting in church. How long should they sit still for?
This is totally up to you.
Our church started at 10 am and went for one hour before the crèche started for the second hour. So we had quiet toys for playing on a small blanket near our feet, and small snacks to help during this time.
We practised blanket time at home each day to help with this, and started with 10 minutes and gradually built up to 30 minutes. I think our youngest was finally able to sit through the first hour when he was 2.5 years.
So be calm and consistent, and gradually build up their skills for sitting and focusing.
How can I help to foster confidence and independence in my 12 month old child?
This is a great question.
Independent play times each day are a great way to develop confidence and independence. Start with two 20 minute times a day and build up to 40 - 50 minutes twice a day.
Independent activities include playpen time, room play, outside play, DVD watching, blanket play, highchair activities, and free play. (All with mum hovering nearby for safety of course!)
From when they can walk, have them 'help' you with the chores each day. They can carry a plastic cup to the table and back, take the washing to the right room, dust and wipe. Starting early sets the pattern for a lifetime of helping and develops the confidence to know they are contributing to the family.
