Mommy Dependency Issues....

Seperation anxiety can rear its head at any time during toddlerhood, and can be tough. Here's what I do when it pops up. Talk to your kiddo, about what's happening. I know you're sad/scared/mad/frustrated but, Mommy will always come back. Start small to help him get over it. I would leave for 30 minutes at a time and ramp up, and give him to hold onto for you (my therapist recommended getting matching beanie babies) then, when I came back praised him for taking such good care of it.

He will be okay, but you want to make sure he knows that no matter where Mommy goes you WILL be back. So, even playing peek-a-boo at this age will be fun and helpful. Have him hide to in the mirror behind a towel and show him how he always comes back.

Involve grandparents in the process. So, have them over and when you leave the room when he fusses bounce back in and say something to ease him but, show him it's okay. 'Mommy is right here silly, see I'll always comem back!' It might take some time, but he'll get past it.

My son is 3 YO and went through something similar a few months ago and is going threw something similar today with visitation. It's awful because you just want them to be happy with everyone and everything, but sometimes fear of seperation can be s very scary thing to a little one who just isn't sure.

I remember the first time my son freaked out, he was 6 months old and it was terrible he cried for a whole hour until I got back to his Dad's house to get him. Just be patient and loving...it will be oaky.

Baby Center is a great resource.
http://www.babycenter.com/0_separation-anxiety_145.bc

Your two-year-old is going through the very important developmental stage of separation and individuation. He is learning where you end and where he begins. He is demonstrating an increasing streak of independence and desire to explore his world. He is more likely to explore new settings in your presence, but still looks to you and needs reassurance. One word can really sum up this process: ambivalence. Two year old's have these conflicting feelings of wanting to be away from you but recognizing that they STILL need you. What is the result? clinging? because he needs you. Tantrums? because he wants to spread his wings. They are inexperienced at feeling two very opposite emotions and it takes time and experience to master this skill.Your son stays close to YOU as he feels he needs A base of support and trust. Your his number one fan,his nurturer from birth. Two year old's are egocentric in their thinking process. This means that they are unable to understand the world from someone else's perspective. They believe that the world revolves around them,and why shouldn't they? After all,We have loved and nurtured them since birth. There is a great t-shirt out there that has the creed of the two-year-old: "What's mine is mine, what's yours is mine." That totally sums up their perspective on the world. Given this, is it any wonder that they become so indignent when we interfere with them getting what they want! As parents,its up to us,to teach our children lifes realities, morals,consideration and compassion.It's not an easy task,as we almost have to be clairvoyant to know when they need space to grow,and when they need nurturing.We are only human,so we are just as observant as we can be,and attempt to balance things out,in hopes of A good outcome. Remember,that your very special in his eyes,and this stage will pass quickly.Before you know it,he will be so busy,you'll be lucky if he has time to stop and and give you a hug.My suggestion,would be for you to continue to make him feel secure in knowing your there for him,but share him for short amounts of time with others in his life,so he realizes he can feel that same security with them. I suppose,you could look at it in another perspective. How you'd feel,if your son felt nothing in your absence. I wish you and your growing son the very best. J. M

Its normal and developmental, as the other women said.

My son, when he hit 2 years old, he got like that even though he is normally a very independent boy. Now, as he approaches 3 years old, he is getting like that again. Its normal.
Also many times, when a child is hitting a new age or new developmental changes or milestones, they get clingier, with Mommy.

I just really enjoy it actually, because I know it won't last. Kids change so much, so often.
My son loves sitting on my lap and will just repeats saying "MY Mommy...." and he just hugs me. Its so adorable.

If you are with him, he'll be fine. If you cannot be with him, he may have a hard time, but he will be fine. But, each child is different. For my son, I could run out and do errands without him... (him being with my Husband or Mom), but after about 1 hour, he'd start to be 'lonely' for me and would just listen for each car that drove by and stay by the garage door. So, I never stayed out for too long....

Is that Vegas trip without him? If it is without him... well, I don't know what you could do. Sorry.

But at EACH age juncture, a child "bonds" with his Mommy in different ways, and they need Mommy for different reasons. This age, is common to be that way.

All the best,
Susan