Demanding Behavior from 28 Month Old

One of the things that saves me is actually to have a friend over for them! Believe it or not, if my kids have someone here to play with, they are so much better. I get more done on those days than most, and all of those toys that they never seem to play with even come out and get some use. It could be worth a try for sure. That, and save some "special" toys that she gets to play with when you need to get something done. At my house it is play-doh, or water colors. For the older kids, scissors and glue with other fun craft items come out. I tend to get at least an hour, and honestly the clean up afterwards is worth the free time. Good luck!! ~A.~

Sounds just like my daughter!!! She will go back to free-sprited and fun! I don't have a ton of advice, but have gone through the same issue with my daughter who just turned 3. I try to enjoy the fact that she would rather be with me. I think it comes with stages of cognitive growth and separation anxiety. I was also trying to finish my dissertation and apply for internships, so when I really could not be interrupted my husband would take her out shopping or to the park to help get her out of the house. She has gotten a lot better, but we still have those phases. She will play with her paint stuff more by herself. So I will pull out the paint and paper and put her in the kitchen so I can clean up the mess later...good luck! Remember this too shall pass :) As the other moms have said, friends over do help, only about 1...

T.,
I know exactly how you feel. My daughter is 26 mo old and she is under my feet at all times. The worst is when I try to get ready and she is into my makeup. I am glad to hear from the other moms that this will pass. For the meantime I have really had to cut out all extra activities that don't involve kids. I guess that it is just temporary. I liked the mom's advice about using a timer for time spent with the kids and then for time for yourself.

My daughter is about 6 months younger than yours, so I'm not sure if this will help. But, I find that when my daughter is particularly clingy to me, it's because she is not feeling well. If you know it's not that, then I would suggest just "going to work" on your day off. If your MIL will watch her for you, then at least you can do some of the outside things.

My youngest son is 23 months old - my oldest living at home is 12, and I've gone through this with every one of them. The less time they have me, the more time they want with me. To get around that, I employ one of two techniques depending on the circumstances - if it's something I have to do right now that they can do with me, they do it with me. Examples are folding laundry, sorting laundry, loading or unloading the dishwasher, sweeping the floor, dusting, making the bed - anything that won't hurt them, they help.

If it's something I have to do alone, then I play with them for 30 minutes solid first - we use a timer extensively - and then I do whatever it is I have to do for 30 minutes. Repeat.

Teaching has shown me that kids want their parents attention - and they will get it, one way or another, eventually.

S.

I completely agree with the post from Steph. I have a 2.5 year old daughter and I've found that if I just spend some time playing with her when I get home, she is less clingy. Your baby just misses you during the day and wants some attention from you. I look forward to our time after work as it is a time we can bond everyday and, really, playing barbies or "cooking" in her little kitchen is a great distraction from the day. Besides, is laundry more important than spending time with your daughter? Laundry will get done eventually, but your kiddos only stay young for so long.