Does a mother's temperament determine a 'high maintenance' child?

[Mak]

I really think they are all individuals.
My girls are both extremely different. DD1 is more clingy, needs more reassurance, sleeps badly and is very mum centred. DD2 is more independant, stubborn and less reliant on me (even at 15 months). DD2 has coslept, demand fed and been held pretty much constantly from nb-11 months old then began asserting her independence in a big way!
Who knows how it all happens - but regardless it must be a combo of every influence in their worlds - not just one!
Sounds like you are doing a great job about reflecting on your experiences and influences on and with your babe....don't let anyone knock your confidence. Sounds like you are doing a fab job. xxx

[koru]

Wow!
What a fabulous amount of responses and support in such a small space of time! Big thanks to all of you - you've made my week
Basically you've just confirmed what a probably knew was true but needed to hear from those not so close to me I'm not doubting my parenting methods one bit - perhaps just wondering whether I'm letting other people's opinions get in my way - which I reckon I have!
I think I'm projecting a lot of my fears that my own mum's hyper-anxious, strict parenting and drama-queen personality has shaped my sensitivities - ie can I stop the cycle? (Ironically it's my mum (and sis) making most of the comments!)
So good to hear of such a wide range of personalities being successfully GP'd within the same family too