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Behaviour/development

Talk to others about child development and behaviour stages here. You can find more information on our development calendar.

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Original poster

Do I let him cry with frustration, or try to help?

9 replies

Monkeybar · 27/03/2006 11:47

My 8 month ds is just starting to show signs of wanting to crawl. He's been content lying on his back or rolling onto his side until now. Now he rolls right over onto his tummy, gets his arms forward and kicks back with his legs....but gets nowhere and then starts to cry. I hate seeing him like that, so I scoop him up, sit him down and play for a while, then off we go again. I know he's got to work it out for himself, but is there anything I can do to help?

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WigWamBam · 27/03/2006 11:49

I think you're doing the right thing - let him keep trying, but distract him when he gets frustrated.

It will happen quicker than you think ... then you'll be wishing it hadn't

spidermama · 27/03/2006 11:51

I think frustration is a great motivator and kids need to be allowed to feel it.

Having said that, you know, as a mum, when he's asking for your help or comfort so it sounds like you're working out the balance perfectly.

Original poster

Monkeybar · 27/03/2006 11:53

Thanks WWB! (I'm already missing the long morning shower while he has 'nappy free' time because he's taken to rolling off the changing mat and pooing on the carpet!)

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girrafey · 27/03/2006 11:54

i would say what you are doing is right. my dd hardly ever cried, but from the age of 6 months got hysterical when stuck on her tummy, so i used to scoop her up straight away and sit her.

i wish i had never done it now. she learnt to bottem shuffle by 7 months and took independant steps at 9 months. now at 10 months she is into everything. ( which i no they all are) but i feel if i had left her and she learnt to crawl, she may be more like her friends who are happy to crawl and only just showing signs at standing etc.

At the end of the day though they all learn to move one day and then you spend the whole day wishing they hadnt!!

tribpot · 27/03/2006 11:54

Ah, the flopping about like a fish stage - my ds has just left that and now I spend all morning chasing round after him stopping from eating the plants, putting his hand in the fire, etc! Great stuff.

Anyway, I also didn't let him cry for very long when he rolled on to his tummy and then couldn't get up. I would give him a few minutes (and often he wouldn't cry for a few minutes anyway) and then go and rescue him. He's just learnt to push himself back to a sitting position from his tummy and is much happier as a result!

I definitely wouldn't let him cry for very long, it's not nice for you or for him, but he does need to feel the frustration.

Original poster

Monkeybar · 27/03/2006 11:54

ANd thanks spidermama. Being a first time mum I just don't want to get things wrong, so knowing I'm doing ok is very comforting.

OP posts:

acnebride · 27/03/2006 11:57

monkeybar - what about spreading loads of towels under/around the changing mat to catch the poos?

towels again - anthea is following me

Original poster

Monkeybar · 27/03/2006 12:08

WIll do. Hope he doesnt make it to the edges!

OP posts:

kipper22 · 27/03/2006 12:52

i know the story of the carpet far too well monkeybar! i'e started taking ds into the bathroom to have naked time on the (laminate!) floor while i shower!

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