continues crying

We have a 13 mos. old granddaughter who will go to no one but her mother. She will cry immediately if her mother is not holding her or is out of sight. Recently she will not even go to her father. When visiting other families she cries continously
which forces her parents to leave.Her mood changes suddenly. While playing alone (for short periods) she will suddenly start
screaming for no apparent reason.This is a day in and day out situation that is distressing the parents terribly.
Her mother had a very difficult and unsettled childhood and has been going overboard paying attention to her from the very beginning. She keeps the child immaculately clean and will not let her eat any finger food that might get her dirty.If the child should have a very,very minor incident while crawling on the carpeting. mom rushes over and picks her up apologizing that she let her get hurt.When the baby does play by herself mom will often interrupt her by picking her up and showering her with affection.This poor child has become a screaming anti-social
problem.Please help!

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Dear Gene,

Unfortunately, the little girl's mother is unwittingly creating a problem. Through her interactions with her daughter, the mother (likely due to experiences in her own upbringing from what you indicate), is prompting insecurity and anxiety.

Consultation with a pediatric mental health clinician would be useful, and can assist the mother to establish more appropriate nurturing behavior and, perhaps, to get herself some help around her own insecurities.