How do you teach toddlers and babies independence?

Question

My brother's kids are really dependent on their mother. They both can't stand being away from her. The little one cries when she can't see her mother and the older one refuses to go to bed or to the toilet unless her mum is there. What are some good ways to encourage independence from their mother. Also what can I do when I have kids to ensure they are happy to be looked after by mum or dad (or grandparents).

Answer 1

This is not uncommon and should not be taken into some psychobabble level of c**p. It sound's like mom and dad have done the damage themselves and are going to have to wait a while longer while the little ones grow into their own independence. There is no need to tell you things like "what did you expect". Each child is different and I have raised 5. I have 6 grandchildren and one great grandchild. Patience is the key to raising children. Having fun with the brownies and the cub scouts and first steps and first teeth. There is an endless wonder to what they each bring to life in marriage and family.

Have them spend as much time as possible with grandma and grandpa, especially during the first year. That familiarizes them with different surroundings and noises and smells. It helps them become more independent on Mom and Dad. It also gives grandma and grandpa a sense of being needed. Believe me when I tell you that Grandparents want to be involved.

Answer 2

Well you have to let the toddler gradually get used to being away from its mom. For example put the kid to bed and leave it of course use baby monitors. In about 5 to 10 minutes if the kid is still fussy. Send in a parent, grandparent, etc. Just not the mom. And have that person stay there with the child until it falls asleep.

we did this for my baby cousin. it really helped.  

Answer 3

Tell them to pack their bags and hit the road and not to come back until they have jobs and can pay the rent!  

Answer 4

all kids are like that you just have to distract them when she is gone they will cry for a lil  but they have short attention span's and anything fun of new should get there mind off of her being gone it wont all happen in one day but just be silly and fun and they will learn it ok when Mommy is away because she will come back and they can still have fun when shes gone  talk to them even if they are baby's and tell them mom will be home have them draw a pic for her or make her something as a surprise good luck

Answer 5

Well obviously they're dependent. Did you expect them to leave your house and live on their own or something.