I'm assuming this is a phase, but not one I have much experience with.
My 18 month old has always been Mr. Independent. Likes to play alone as long as mom and dad are near, prefers to fall asleep alone, not much of a snuggler or affectionate kid, likes to do things on his own, mostly oblivious to needing or wanting us near, etc.
But in the last couple of weeks - I don't know what happened! He wants to be carried ("up!") all of the time. Pulls on my legs while I try to get anything done around the house. Isn't content with being watched or having us near - he now says "no!" and drags up to position us just where he wants us (puts my hands on the car when he wants me to push his cars, etc.). Will NOT play alone at all anymore. Before bed and nap times he now screams and cries as soon as we put him down but will lie quietly and calmly if we are holding him.
In some ways I am enjoying this new attention from him. We could never hold on to him and snuggle before bed like we can now! He would always want "down! down!" But in other ways, this feels ridiculous and like he is getting way to reliant on me playing with him every second.
'm assuming normal phase, but we're inexperienced with a clingy or needy child. Anyone been there or have advice?
My son went through the exact same thing , a little while before turning 2.
OH MY! You just described my 27 month old. It is really starting to weigh on me!!
My 2.5 year old son does the same thing. I think right around 18 months is when separation anxiety occurs. Google it and you'll find a wealth of research on this. It's just a phase. Think of it as arm exercise ;p
Well you just described my 2 1/2 year old. At first I found it a bit cute, but now it's getting to be too much. I can't even go to the bathroom without him getting upset that I am away from him.
This too shall pass......I hope.
It's just a phase-- and the more you fight it the longer it lasts. The more you push them away the tighter they cling. So remind yourself that it just a phase, be thankful you have a hubby to take turns with, do as much playing, snuggling and carrying as you can and plug your ears when you can't!
Is he 18 months right now? There is a fear stage at 18 months, with a serious developmental leap from 19-21 months. Expect him to start waking at night too. After this period, he will be talking, jumping, galloping, and talking more like a little person. By 21-22 months, he should mellow out.
Stop holding him, let him cry, and DO NOT GIVE HIM AN AUDIENCE. If you do, you will have a whiny, crying preschooler. So, teach him to walk by himself. Let him scream, walk out of the room. He will quickly learn, and will soon he holding your hand to walk like the big boy he soon will be.
