Ideas to Help My Little "Mama's Boy"...

First of all congratulations! Love the new baby's name, my 7 month old is Ryan. My daughter and son both went through some very similar things. My daughter couldn't be away from me for a minute at 2. Same with my oldest son - when the baby was born he was just 2, and would cling to me like a monkey. He didn't want anyone else to come near him. They eventually both got over it, although occasionally sibling rivalry kicks in among the 2 older ones, both with the baby and each other. The thing that worked the best for us, is to give the older ones as much attention as possible. The babies won't know the difference at this point, and the older ones do. Also, when the baby is napping, give the older ones some special mommy time. Do a special thing, like play a game, or color together, whatever. When the the older ones are asleep bond with the baby. Unfortunately, that mean less sleep for you, but it does make the transition smoother.

Good luck!

Hi T.!

I have a similar situation with my 27 month old however he is a DADDY'S BOY, I am a SAHM and my DH works full time! We just got back from a 2 week vacation and tomorrow my hubby will return to work. I worry that Max will freak out! At one point during our trip my hubby was on a ride with my older son and Max woke up from a nap and could not regroup again until he saw Daddy again, and it was a good 15-20 minutes later. I tried EVERYTHING! Hopefully being at home getting back into our routine he will be able to recognize that and see that and get a grip! If not, Mom will need to go for a long time out when Daddy gets home tomorrow!!

SO, in my opinion, I'm not sure it has everything to do with your pregnancy, maybe just a loving Mama with a regualar 2 year old!

Congrats on your soon arrival and good luck with the "Big Brother!"

J.

My son is 2 and went through the same thing when I was pregnant with my daughter. My daughter is now 4 mos old and my son really only turns into "mama's boy" when I'm breastfeeding or holding her. When I was pregnant it was the same as you -- anytime I went to the restroom or walked into another room he would start freaking out. I think it's a phase for 2 year olds and also relates to the changes he's anticipating with the baby. My son has gotten much better. When have mommy & ben time in the mornings while my daughter is sleeping and again in evening as she goes to bed much earlier than he does. My son now is starting to ask if sister can play with us, too and he tries to include her in his little games (setting a place for her if he's playing "cooking", giving her a ball when he's playing catch with me, etc). Good Luck!

PS -- my mom did the same as your MIL -- she thought she could just step in and be a replacement for me and didn't understand why this freaked him out even more.

I think that it has to do with the situation. My daughter Ryann just turned 2.5 and I too am expecting a baby this month. She has adjusted pretty well and knows that her sister will be coming this month and we are going to have a new person in our family. But I think once the situation is here that she will be more clingy until she understands that the baby isn't going anywhere. I say let him help with the baby (I know this will be a hassle and probably take longer to do things) but I think it will help make them a part of everything. Also we plan on getting her a big sister gift and also having a little teddy bear for her to bring to the hospital for her new sister. That's my plan!! Good Luck!

My Daughter is 2.5 and boy does your story sound familiar. she's also in daycare and thinks nothing of me dropping her off but on the other hand I can't go into the basement to change the laundry without those frantic little feet overhead. What seemed to help us is if I tell her the plan for the day or where I'm going. At first when I would tell her I'm going to the bathroom, she would want to come with me. now she's like ok mommy hurry back. she is comforted by me explaining where I'm going to her. It's sort of dumb to check in with a 2 year old but they have such extreme separation anxiety sometimes, it's not worth the melt down. With her too daddy could be right there but it's the end of the world that she can't find me. Good Luck!

I had a similiar issue with my son. Except, that my son is on a ventilator so whenever I left the room to go potty (the nurse stayed with him) he would pull his vent off and start crying. He knew I would come back. I spoke with a developemental Psychologist to get tips on how to deal with this because I really felt like it was behaviorial. She told me - when I leave the room always tell him, "I will be right back". I did start doing that and it did take a while but he stopped pulling off his vent to get me back in. She gave me a bunch other tips too that really helped me out...
He totally understands me now when I tell him I will be right back and I think he takes comfort in that as well.

2yr olds have a hard time communicating what they need. He may understand that a new baby is coming into your family - could that have something to do with it?

Good luck!

Johnny's Mom
www.carepages.com
CP: johnrmurphy

Hi T.
I feel you girl my son is 4 and still has the attachment issues. They are not as bad as when he was younger but, he is still mommy mommy mommy . I had to take it slow and help him understand that just because i am out off his sight i will be back. I even tell him when I leave about when I will be back and if I am running late i call sometimes. It helps but sometimes nothing works . Just keep reasuring him and talking to him it will get better. Congrats on the new baby.

Sounds like much of it may be related to the new baby coming, like he may not completely understand the new baby brother thing, but know that something is beginning to invade his space. I too think that the constant reassuring will help like telling him you'll be right back if you step out of sight. Also, just having daily one on one time with him. After the baby comes, maybe one of the baby nap times could be his special time with you for him to lead play with you, along with being involved and helping as the great big brother helper. Best wishes to you!! My boys now ages 21 months and 3(second one also named Ryan) are 19 months apart. The beginning was definitely TIRING taking care of both of them, especially with trying to go on any outing. But it only gets easier as they get older.

he may surprise you. you are envolving him with the room and touching your belley. so he knows what is comming. you are very lucky to have a supportive husband and family. that will mean a lot. times may get tough but it sounds like you could handle it

I think you are right about being nervious about the new change. Try letting him help chose his brothers nickname so Sweet Pea is only for Jacob. Telling him where you are going all the time may help. Bring him with if you have to. Let him chose a gift for the baby from big brother. Give him a gift also. I always tell my older son that he will always be my baby. He is 24 years old and his brother is seven.
I gave up my life a long time ago. My son was physically hurt and the fear was terrible. If any of us left the room he would run screaming through the house. It is better now but it was hell at first. Suggestion forget about the household chores get someone else to help. You relax and love up your boys