crying/tantrums when DP leaves the room

[Lisa B]

For the last 4 months DP and I have shared DS care. We are both working part time. DS, I think is attached to both of us but enjoys rough play with my DP. In the last few weeks he has cried when either one of us has left for work and needs a bit of distraction or cuddles at that time. Now he has begun crying when DP leaves the room not all of the time but often enough (and it's not even when they have just been playing). DP says it is a tantrum and shouldn't be responded to because it's a tantrum. If I'm on to it quick enough I use distraction, but it's hard to get onto it always as people are always in and out of the room.

DS is 10 months old. Could this be a tantrum? I thought tantrums happened when they are older. How would you deal with crying when a parent leaves the room?

[sloane]

sounds more like a form of separation anxiety to me rather than a tantrum. we went through the same stage - makes it tough to quickly run to the toilet even though 10 months is still young, i would always tell my DS that i was going to do x & that i'd be back in a minute. then when i came back i'd talk to him again. just reassuring him that when a parent leaves the room they are coming back. i'd say he needs the reassurance of cuddles/a response & that it will pass over time. imo, it's good to give them the reassurance till they pass the stage to help them feel confident.

[Heaven]

It's normal. My DD2 does this now too. I just give her a cuddle and sit down again until she is playing and happy for me to leave, or just take her with me. IMO she knows what she needs right now and if I try to resist or just ignore her she will just get more distressed and it will make the situation worse. So I try to comfort her and hope that teaches her that there's no need to worry because I'll always be there. HTH