thread: 17 month old VERY clingy:(

  1. #1
    Registered User

    Dec 2006
    perth
    148

    17 month old VERY clingy:(

    Hi all... My DS has been very clingy for about the last 4 months... He often will not go to DH and can only be comforted by me if he's upset. He is ok with Grandma as he spends 2 days aweek with her when I work. Sometimes if I go to the toilet and leave him with my SIL he screams He seems to get upset at silly things like that!
    So my question is.... when does this stop being a phase? Should I try and stop it, how do I do that? My biggest worry is DH and their relationship, I wan't DS to be happy with him and I don't want DH to feel inadequate He is an awesome dad!
    Please help Its stressing me out wickedly!
    Thanks
    Take care
    xox

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Sep 2006
    On Channel Zzzzzzz
    1,037

    my little one did the same thing and seems to only just be coming out of it. Although, there are still those times where only a mummy cuddle will do. Tbh, I'm not sure why she did it nor why she's seemingly growing out of it but to help things with DH, I tried to give them one on one time by going out. Maybe you could start with this for only half an hour to begin with if you don't feel comfortable going out for too long? DD#2 would cry at first but within minutes she was playing and happy. The squeals of delight I received when I got home and she realised were just so precious and worth it!

    If your little one is fine with his grandma as he does spend that extra time with her, maybe this could be a solution for your DH?

    I completely understand and even now, DD#2 will become upset every now and then if I go to the toilet, although I put it down to our bedroom door being right next to the front door - so maybe she's worried I'm going out?

    Sorry that I'm not much help but just wanted to encourage you that the phase does pass, and its no reflection on anyone's parenting! That's for sure!! Though that doesn't make the present any easier I know Just today DH said to me that dad's can be the best and the most rockin' fun but they just don't have that special something on mums, iykwim?

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Oct 2006
    120

    My DD2 is like that and has always been. Its totally normal for them to gravitate towards one parent, and our special bond when we were breastfeeding hasn't gone away. I love it and dont do anything. My DH understands and they do have special time together but he knows there really is nothing better than a Mum hug.

    Cheers,

    Beck

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Dec 2007
    Sunny Qld
    14,682

    Yup DS was like that from around 14 months - and I was heavily pregnant for most of that stage and ended up just putting him in the bubba moe sling and carrying him everywhere!!!!!

    Before his sister arrived on the scene (so when he was around 18.5 months) he started going to his dad more and only wanting daddy.. which was great cos I was in hospital and he was fine without me.

    He is still a bit clingy - but nowhere near as bad as he used to be (and believe me, I posted a lot on here about his clinginess - I just wanted to pee in peace!!!)

    But I took him to the toilet with me - absolutely everywhere with me - and I think he just got over it in time.

    So there is light at the end of the tunnel.. just work through it!! I know its hard..