Could my 11 month old be missing people?

[omgno45]

I have an 11 month old baby.. and I have older children 15,14,7

my older children give him lots of attention (as do I)
my older children go to their dads and sleep overs at friends etc and when they are not here of course the house feels very different because they all bring so much energy here.

when they are not here my 11 month old is just not himself ?? Cries a lot more. Unsettled. Doesn’t eat as well. Doesn’t nap aswel. It’s become a real pattern.

is he old enough to realise they aren’t here and to be missing them ? If so what do I do about this. It’s really draining x

Seperation anxiety starts between 6 and 9 months so yes I think he will be missing his siblings.

Maybe it’s because you’re sad about it and they are picking up on that? Go out and do a few things, you’ll soon get into a routine. There is nothing you can do about the children visiting their father (and of course it should be encouraged), make a new routine for the youngest one.

I'm sure he does miss them. Perhaps try and do special things with him when they're away, take him out for activities or trips that he doesn't get to do when they're around. When he's older (probably not that far in the future) he'll get used to them having to be elsewhere.

Definitely old enough. My dd1 wouldn't go to anyone apart from me & OH from about 5 months

Yes it's likely he misses his siblings and the normal bustle and stimulation of a full household. It probably feels quiet and a bit strange when they're not there! I would make an effort to take him out and about and keep busy - swimming, soft play, park, visit friends who have similar aged babies, invite a friend with children over for lunch?

Yes, he loves them and doesn’t know they’re coming back

Is he like that when they are school? How happy is he when they get back?

Thanks everyone! Yes he’s the sane when they are at school too. I’ve accepted he likes his siblings more than me!! :( he even cries real tears when they leave the room. I feel sorry for my older kids sometimes lol xx