Attention demanding baby!

[tigwig]

God my 6mth old is being so much hard work at the moment. He no longer appears to be teething and is quite well and happy, if he has your full attention. I work full time as a childminder and obviously cannot give him attention constantly as well as dealing with the other kids and running a household.
He literally cannot be put down to amuse himself for more than 5 minutes before screaming, then stops when he is picked up. It really gets me down at times as I can't get anything done without listening to him cry. I would have thought that at 6 mths he should be able to play for alot longer.
He cannot yet sit up so maybe he's frustrated but he can roll about and has 2 different chairs to sit in, a baby walker and gym and a variety of toys to hold. Surely he can't be bored?!
Can anyone offer me some advice on what to do with him? Did anyone else have pain in the bum babies like this or is it just me? BTW he refuses to go to anyone else apart from his dad so I can hardly ever leave him either!

[genstm1980]

Hi, have things improved at all? My little girl has been through stages like this as well (she's 10 months now). I think it all comes down to wanting comfort for one thing or another and/or just wanting your company. It depends on where they are in the development process - they go through periods of being socially anxious and needing only mum and dad - and of course if they are experiencing problems like teething which will still be a continuous problem for some time cos even if you can't see the teeth, chances are there're some on the way.
I work 4 days a week and I'm pregnant again so pretty knackered myself and sometimes could do without little lady insisting on cuddles etc. and refusing to play happily by herself but this isn't always the way it is and the older she gets the easier it is to interest her in toys and things for longer periods plus the more independent they get when they can move around and do things for themselves - then it's really tiring cos they're into everything!! xx

[pastafreak]

Good lord!!
He is only 6 months old!! How 'independent do you want him to be? Maybe it is a ready-made child that you were hoping for. Sorry...but you are still at the beginning of your journey with him...and he is still reliant on you...for cuddles,company, and sustenance. He is behaving quite normally,and showing his need for you.He may also be picking up on your stress and reluctance to give him what he needs. I think he should be your first priority...maybe cut down a bit on the number of OTHER children in your care. You should not even be thinking of making a choice between one and the other.

[joeluke]

Don't pick him up every single time he starts to cry, he'll soon get tired of it