13 month old refuses to interact with other babies

[lilasmom]

Hi. I just don't know what to do. I'm a stay at home mom, play and talk to my daughter constantly, love being with her, and taking her out to socialize. She has had separation anxiety since about 5 months, and it still continues. My husband and I are both very social, have "passed her around" to friends and family since the beginning, and she still is so attached. We have been in playgroups since she was weeks old, are currently in 2/week, go to the park daily, and gymnastics with other kids weekly. She STILL screams and "hits" when other children come near her. We've tried to foster being with other kids, but she can't handle it. She tends to whine and throw fits quite often, and we don't know why. I have just ordered "Raising Your Spirited Child" and am hoping that helps. I'm just a bit afraid that something may be wrong? Where's our happy baby? Thanks for your help! :)

[Shannon0608]

I am sure there is nothing wrong.  Both of my girls were that way.  They didn't like other kids there size getting in their space.  In a few instances I would agree with them (intimidation by boys, etc).  My oldest daughter just wanted to check everyone out first and observe, or be in her own space.  In our gymnastics class (I think she was 2), she was always on the opposite side of the gym as everyone else.  No worries, I am sure all is fine.

[jdtm]

First of all, I doubt if there is anything wrong with your baby and I really doubt if she is "spirited".  I might suggest you google the term "toddler anxiety" or "separation anxiety in toddlers" or similar phrases to find information re this topic.  Two of our grandchildren were very "attached" to their mother at this age - seemed to lessen a bit as they approached their second birthday.  Two books I might suggest are:  (1) "the highly sensitive child" by Elaine N. Aron which has sections on anxiety in toddlers and "Keys to Parenting Your Anxious Child" by Katharina Manassis which is geared to school-aged children.  Both these books should be available in your public library, in local bookstores or can be purchased on-line.  Keep up the socializing as every bit will help (even if it does take a lot of time and patience),  Hope this helps  ...