Why does my one year old do this?

[Dizzybrunette445]

Hi everyone. I've recently returned to work after maternity leave, my son is in a child minder two days a week which he loves (she sends me happy photos of him playing and having good time) however, when I pick him up to take him home, he cries as soon as he sees me, starts playing up as soon as we get home and is right pain until we put him to bed...
It's the same if his Dad looks after him if I go to work or go out, he says he's been an angel all day and as soon as I return he cries and plays up. I'm starting to feel like he's not happy to see me

Am I doing something wrong ? Thanks mum's and dad's !

He's happy to see you, he is only one and can't control his emotions yet. His is overwhelmingly happy to see you and this raw emotion is expressed through crying. He isn't playing you up either, one years olds don't have the cognitive ability to do this. He is exhausted, this will get easier as he gets used to his new routine, in the meantime lots of lovely mummy cuddles and skin to skin is what he is asking for

Totally normal. He's been on his best behaviour, surrounded by not-his-parents in not-his-home, and getting lots of stimulation all day. He gets picked up, he's exhausted and with his parents who he knows are safe and will take care of him, and all his little exhaustion and worries come spilling out. Its actually a good sign, it means he completely trusts you to still love and care for him at his most vulnerable moments.

Thanks so much 🙂🙂🙂

Hi, what hours is he with child minder? In my experience little ones are just so tired by end of the fun busy day they are a pickle for anyone from about 545pm.
They've been at active day environment which is different from home, and need to adjust back I think.
We realised our little one was tired and hungry at that time as we got home, so we added a cosy snuggly snack time at home (they have tea abt 4pm at nursery) and we also now try to pick her up earlier if we can. Can you try a different routine on child minder days?

Btw you are not doing anything wrong, I am just suggesting what worked for us.
As other posters said, they are happy to see you and are tired = pickles!!

Definitely an emotional release. My eldest is still a bit like this now he's started Reception. I respond to the grumpiness with "do you need a cuddle" rather than telling off which makes a difference. Down time with a nice drink and a quiet TV show is useful as well. I also try to name the feelings to help him understand why he feels bad and what he needs.