2.5 yo is the life and soul... As long as I'm next to her

[ohanami]

Dd (2.5) has always been quite outgoing and very lively. She loves exploring and doesn't show much fear when it comes to new places. For the last few months though I can only describe it that she's been really overly attached to me when we're in situations with other adults - she won't let the swimming teacher touch her, and nursery drop offs have become really hard work after being absolutely fine for over a year. She's even reluctant to let dh put her to bed or bath her, to the point that last night I had to listen to 15 minutes of screaming because she "only wanted mummy" and "doesn't like daddy". She still wakes sometimes at night and when I go to resettle her she'll start talking about how she doesn't want to go to nursery the next day, she wants to stay at home with me.

I know all children go through phases, but this one has been getting more severe since about February and is starting to extend to other adults that she's close to as well (my mum and her nursery key worker). I think my question is whether there's anything I can do to make her feel more comfortable with other adults, or less exclusive in her attention, without just removing myself from the situation which isn't always possible, and which really distresses her if she knows I'm there. I can't be there 24/7, and we have dc2 due in September so I'm trying to help her be less dependent on me while I've got time to do it proactively rather than suddenly switch my focus towards a newborn.

[DoodleCat]

I wonder if she knows that you're expecting?

Also mine went through this phase (not when i was pregnant), wouldn't let him Dad have a look in. It was a phase and did pass.

I hope it does soon for you, I remember how difficult it was for us. X

[ohanami]

She definitely knows that there's a baby on the way and seems to understand (and welcome) what that means - regularly trying to kiss the bump, talking about all the things she's going to do to help with the baby when it arrives, etc.

Several people have said it will pass but it's proving to be one of the hardest phases yet It's getting more and more tough on dh - we both know he should play the adult but dd constantly pushes him away and is really vocal about not liking him.