A gentle reminder that this is the gentle parenting section for non-cry-it-out methods.

Sarah, separation anxiety peaks at around 18 months but does get better from there, all in their own good time. Doing it gently reinforces secure attachments and they do grow up to be more independent and confident. It can just be trying at the time! Marisa was like that with me for a long time, her anxiety with SM just enhanced it and it lasted a while. She wouldn't have a bar of John at night and it did my head in until I surrendered and realised she needed me right now and I could do this. Now she's anyone's and remember that soon little boys turn to their daddy and they are the entire universe to them, and poor mummy wonders what she did wrong! So enjoy the mummy cuddles now because soon he'll only want his dad for a while. Oh and if you haven't already, grab Raising Boys by Steve Biddulph