Crying for attention?

We've had a rough few days. They're both breaking into tears at the slightest provocation. I've tried everything from more sleep, more food, walks, pain meds, etc. My boys are just 13 months adjusted - is it too early for them to be doing this for attention? I'm trying to pay attention to them when they're not crying and delay going to them if they start crying.

 

I'm sorry about all the crying! Are they by chance getting their 1 year molars? Those were horrible for us and for a week or two before I could feel anything my two were very fussy and I remember feeling them and thinking OH that's WHY LOL.
Maybe a trip to the ped wouldn't hurt? I hope you're able to find the solution soon!

 

DS1 already has his molars (he's a toothy overachiever). DS2 is definitely getting his 1st molars, but he doesn't seem any better or worse when he's on pain meds or using a cold teether. So you think this is too early for them to be manipulative that way?

 

Mine go through phases like this: I call it the Fragile Frankie and Sensitive Sally phase...where they will cry at the drop of the hat at the slightest thing. I was never sure that it was an attention thing or that they are becoming more aware of their emotions or what not, so I would give them a hug and a kiss and tell them they are going to be okay. It was frustrating to hear them cry like that and nothing seemed to work to get them to stop.
Hang in there Momma :hug:

 

my girls also go through phases like that - i'm not really sure why. i usually just try to pay more attention (as i'm able) throughout the day until it passes.

 

Oh my goodness, I am so glad to read this! I mean, I am so sorry you're going through this and I TOTALLY relate! Our two have started fussing, crying, whining, and clinging alot. I think it's a combo of the molars coming in and them going through some separation anxiety maybe? They get so upset now when we leave in the mornings at daycare. We have tried everything and just could not figure it out. Glad to know we aren't crazy and that we are not alone!

 

Thanks for posting this!! Ours do this alot!! And my brother's LO, who's 1 month older, never cries, so I get so sick of the comments about our crying babies!! Anyway, good to know we are not alone!!

 

I am not sure if this is what you are describing, but one of my boys has been doing this for months. He just whines ALL day. He is teething, and meds do help, but they do not take it away. I know it is attention that he wants. I think he is just becoming more aware, and vocalizing when he wants something. Honestly, I try to ignore him, if I know he is ok. For a while, I would pick him up and try to figure out what is wrong, but then I started to realize he just wants to be picked up. This is ok once in a while. But I don't want him getting used to it. Sorry if it sounds harsh, but I want them to be able to play on their own.

I don't think I really answered anything for you, but I just wanted to say I can relate, and I hope you figure things out soon.

 

SO GLAD you posted this! We are going through this same phase with one of our LOs. It has been so frustrating when one baby is fussing all day to be held and the other is perfectly content to play independently...makes me feel guilty for giving one more attention than the other. It has been better the past 2 days so I am hoping this is just a phase brought on by her realization that she can get what she wants by vocalizing.

One thing I did was sit on the floor and play with them more (pretty much all I did for several days... :wacko: )and that way I was within an arms reach of her when she needed reassurance and I could also be with my other DD. When she was crying/whining for me to hold her I would pick her up and then sit her on my lap and play with a toy or book. Eventually she would become interested in it and crawl off my lap and play by herself. Then I would try to move away so she realized she was ok on her own. It seems to have helped, or maybe the phase is just passing! Hope this helps...hang in there. :hug: