[lynnae1111]

Hello everyone,

I have an 18month old that I have recently adopted - I have had her since she was two weeeks old. My question is she will go to anyone, reach for a total stranger - is this normal?? She does always look around to make sure I am there - but it is starting to embarass and concern me. What do you think??

[Prettyboicris]

I think now might be the time to teach her about not going with strangers if you haven't already.

[padnar]

Originally Posted by Prettyboicris

I think now might be the time to teach her about not going with strangers if you haven't already.

I an a birthmom and my son when he was an infant use to go to everyone. This is not a problem but yu HAVE TO BE CAREFUL.
PADMA

[StephanieMB]

It could also be a symptom of attachment disorder. Normally, around a year old, kids start freaking out when Mom walks away from them. It's called Separation Anxiety. It worries me when kids haven't made that milestone...

[dac_cincy]

from my international adoption process/classes- this was referred to as "mommy shopping". Are you doing attachment parenting? Wearing her constantly, making sure that you are her primary caregiver. You don't mention how long she has been with you or how many placements she had before you.

There are a number of resources out there to help with attachment parenting. I used a number of techniques- the hardest of which was not allowign anyone else to feed, bath, care for my son for the fisrt 6 weeks- the books recommend 12 weeks, but I had to go back to full time work. My sister was my daycare option. It was 6 months before I left him for anything longer than an hour in the evening and even that was a diasater so I had to stop that.
You can check on the special needs and attachment forum- they will have many tips for you.

Love and hugs,

[cborsa7]

Yes, it can be normal for many children. I have a bio child that went to everyone as well as my adopted son. Both extremely outgoing children. If you have had your daughter since she was 2 weeks old and is now 18 months and you see no unusual signs of anything else I wouldn't be real concerned, especially since you mention her watching for you. The other posters are right though, you need to be careful.

Good Luck!

[Ashley-n-D]

my 18 month old lil guy does that too. at first it a alarmed me but i think hes just really friendly just means we can't blink around strangers is all lol . what really irritates me is people taking that as an invite to pick him up. whether their reaching or not scooping up a strangers child is a little creepy. I had that happen at a hotel the other day. I was on bed and D was on floor with his trucks and the door was open for air and a cleaning lady walks up and starts talking to D and he reached for her so she picks him up and walks him over a few feet outside the door to see a puppy in the fence without saying a word to me i was livid

[shaslove]

This is also something C does. What is attachment parenting?