From happy and playful at nursery, to whingy clingy child from hell at home ten minutes later? Is this normal toddler behaviour??!!

[jivegirl]

OK, I thought it was just me being paranoid, but this evening I conducted an experiment. I watched DD (21months) through the nursery window to see her running gaily around, busying herself, giggling for the staff etc. The picture of fun and happiness.

Then I arrive, and she doesn't want to leave - keeps running back to the fun and games - I eventually had to pick her up and take her out (I'm 33 wks pregnant so picking up is my last resort at the moment!)

She then flatly refuses to walk home but wants to be carried (we live just around the corner, through a lovely churchyard with plenty of birds and flowers to look at).

By the time we're home, she screams when I put her down, clings on to me incessantly (I was just going to get her a book to read!) and basically sobs or screams unless I'm holding her.

Is this normal toddler behaviour? It's not like I was ignoring her to cook a 3 course meal or anything I'm at a loss!

[Doodle2U]

Normal. We had the same. Tis a phase.

[helenelisabeth]

Oh yes, total normal toddler behaviour, especially when they haven't seen you all day and especially now your pregnant! She will get easier and less clingy. Good luck!

[thegrowlygus]

Yep. Same here. Normal!

[whitesheep]

'fraid so. IME this kind of thing comes and goes, and you could go mental trying to work out why. It will pass.

[LittleMy34]

Our DS is a bit like this, although not as extreme - I think when they're at nursery they give their all in terms of energy, and then as soon as they're back in the safety of your arms they can really relax and let the tiredness kick in.

Also, even though she's fine without you at nursery, she might not want to let you go once she's got you back again!

Late pregnancy with a toddler is a hard time - she knows that life is not the same as it used to be and she probably senses that you have other things on your mind. She might feel quite insecure about the new baby? Maybe try abandoning all thoughts of doing much when you get back from nursery and just sitting and cuddling her for a bit? Sounds like she needs that time with you.

hope this helps

[Merlin]

She's probably a bit tired as well from all the nursery activities. My DS2 is 3 and he is always knackered when I pick him up!

[bohemianbint]

hello you - it's me!!

Same thing here sometimes. Lucky if I can get m'laddo to walk two doors down most days, so I end up carrying him and knackering my hip for a week! And he's so contrary, one minute he feigns total indifference and the next minute he wants lugging about like a baby kangaroo.

I suppose in 15 years time it'll just be genuine indifference...all the time.