I am a first time single mother and my 7 month old son has just recently started to cry everytime I put him down and do not give him 100% attention. I work full time and his babysitter has noticed the same. I do not want to spoil him by picking him up all the time, how can I break this???

My son...who is 12 yrs. old now and still a momma's boy...did the same thing. And I got to say I spoiled him and held him all the time and it only got worse! It won't be easy but he has to learn that you can't hold him all the time. You may just have to let him cry sometimes. He'll learn...even though I know....it's sooo not easy to listen to! By the way, I was a single mom with my son as well, so I definetely feel for you! If you ever need to just vent or chat, im me on yahoo (natalya_33). Take care!

Firstly, for the rest of your life recognise that you can NEVER love your child too much! There is no such thing as a 'mommies boy' - that in fact is a sensitive loving child who simply should be encouraged to mix more freely with other children. Secondly, keep a close eye out for any medical or physical problems that may be related to laying the child down - observe behaviour in other positions.

THE 'BACK IN A MINUTE' TECHNIQUE
Even though your child is not old enough to talk with you - research shows that children can and do understand fundamental language (by the way you do know that there is now a very successful program using sign language as a method of chidlren communicating with parents and care givers - fundaments such as 'bed' 'tired' 'pain' 'medicine' - unfortunately it is a bit expensive - it has been going for several years now and is very successful - it includes children not yet able to walk). Back to the technique. Both the carer and you should practice the following a least a dozen times a day.
Settle the child and say BACK IN A MINUTE, then walk out of sight round the corner count to 15 seconds and come back say 'I'M BACK'. Do that repeatedly doubling the period of time each time - have tried it with mine and IT WORKS. (By the way if you do not want a child who says NO all the time when they hit the toddler stage - never say NO to them - always use a short sentence - just thought I would throw that in
Good Luck

Agree with above, can't give in to the cries all the time. As a parent with a 4YO, I understand what you are going through, but the best bet is to distinguish between the cries, hunger, pain, or lonelyness. and you'll find some more free time for yourself, but do not neglect. P.S. don't use TV as a/an pacifier/alternate to good parenting when he gets a little older.