[HOMEWriter]

This is similar to what my own son is doing. He's 19 months, too. I would not let her scream in this case. We've come to the conclusion that it is a form of separation anxiety. Most children will have it around 9 months of age, but it seems to hit later in children that are constantly with their moms. No, I don't know of any scientific studies to back me up on this. This is just my observations. My first four were exposed to babysitters more than my last one has been. If I run to the store, he cries the whole time I'm gone. I can't go anywhere without him. He cries upon waking, until he finds me. He was waking up during the night for about two or three weeks. He just stopped last week.

I would suggest offering as much comfort as possible, until your child gets past this. And she will. Until then, put a pillow in the room for your use when you are needed in the middle of the night.

Kelly H.