very emotionally sensitive 10 month old

[anycherrypie]

My 10 month old DD is usually very happy and smiley. She wakes with a big smile on her face and is usually a joy to be around. lately, however she has gotten very sensitive about being told "no" or having an item taken off her (for her own safety). She will go into awful painful sobs with the fattest tears rolling down her cheeks. I try and comfort her and she buries her head into my chest while wailing inconsolably. Anyone who is witnessing her reaction for the first time can't believe it. No amount of distraction will stop her crying - it could continue for 15 mins! We don't shout at her and are very careful to use a soft voice when saying "ah ah" or "no" so as not to frighten her but it's still the same. It's hearbreaking but I just don't know what to do. Any suggestions?

[StrangeGlue]

Perfectly normal I'm afraid it's not the 'no' as babies that young don't really understand that it's being foiled in what she wanted. She'll get better with it in time

[anycherrypie]

I suppose, I have a 2 year old and he was obviously just laid back and could easily be distracted. I am still amazed at her reaction though, it seems so extreme.

[Psippsina]

Separation anxiety? Teething? It is a mystery with babies but could be one of those things or something else entirely.

You sound like you are doing all you can.

[anycherrypie]

Not sure I could put it down to teething as she's very sunny at other times. I suppose we'll just have to live with for the time being.

Just a phase . . . . just a phase. . . . :)

[JugglingLife]

You may be in for the long run, some babies can be more sensitive dramatic than others. Hopefully it will just be a phase and pass quickly. If not you will become less sensitive to it as she gets older, promise!

[anycherrypie]

Looks like we could be in for a long haul so.

[TheGirlAtTheRockShow]

My 11 month of DD is the same. Stop her doing what she wants and its like the world has ended! Such a drama queen.

[CoveredInWit]

Aw, my DD does this too! She's just gone 13 months and it started around the same time as yours. Proper tears and wracking sobs- the first few times I thought she must have inadvertently hurt herself or bit her tongue or something but no, it's just the "no". It is heartbreaking! But I do think it's sort of adorable in a way. Such emotional little souls.

I've taken the route of saying the "no" as gently as possible, like you, "no sweetheart, we don't eat crayons" etc and then sympathising with her when she starts to cry "aw, poor DD, you're sad because you wanted to eat the crayon, but we can't eat crayons! (said in sunnier voice)", then cuddle "I know, it's sad" and then distraction- "but look! here comes your teddy! There's a dog! It's raining outside, let's go and see!!" (manic cheery voice).

I revert to more sympathising if needed but now that this is the routine she tends to cheer up more quickly. Crucially (I hope) I never actually give in to the original "no" behaviour.

I know she got her sensitivity from me so can't really complain, but I think the main thing is to try to model empathy and how to deal with little disappointments and move on. Takes time though but you're not alone!