Constantly feel guilty for not giving my toddler 100% full attention

[Dualipa]

He's always been a clingy baby but now he's 18 months nothing's changed. In fact I think he's more clingy now than ever before. I don't mind the clinginess but I feel guilty every single day if I don't give him 100% full attention.

I can't even make lunch without him wanting me to hold him, can't go to the loo without him sat on my lap. He won't entertain himself like some of my friends children so I don't get a second to do anything else. Sometimes videos on my phone will give me 10 minutes if I'm lucky.

Is this normal? I feel like I'm doing something wrong some days and wonder what other people do when it comes to cooking, cleaning or just any other little chores really? I'm stopped blow drying my hair to save meltdowns there 🤦🏻‍♀️
Should I be wracked with guilt if I need to shower or have lunch??!

No you shouldn’t be racked with guilt. Have you tried a high chair suction toy for making lunch? Showering, take him in with you maybe? It’s so difficult isn’t it. I’m lucky to have an independent player but who knows whether that will change.

Yes sometimes he comes in the shower with me. Toys don't cut it with him, he's not interested once he's seen them once. I even hide toys away and bring them out again after a while but he can't be tricked.
I wear him on my back in a carrier when I doing some jobs but it's pointless putting him in just to make a sandwich etc.

Put him in the high chair but talk to him while you make the sandwich, ask him what you are putting in. Give him a tiny bit. Involve him in the cleaning too while he’s crawling about/walking about ( here’s a dry wipe don’t eat it type thing).

Yes I do let him help with cleaning, he enjoys that 🤣
Putting him in his highchair is another battle completely though ☹️

You have my sympathies, OP. My 18 month old is the same... I'm currently pregnant so I started to do certain things that seem to be working, but very slowly and not every time. When I can't carry her I get to her level and tell her why and I know you are upset and I'll pick you up when I finish type thing. I know it's very cliche, and she dies get upset, but for less time every time. I've found her one or twice going to the living room and graving a toy herself now and then, not often though.
I often give her a wet wipe and ask her to help me clean the floor when I'm making lunch or a I need to take care of something in the kitchen. I also have just plastic containers and non dangerous things in my lower kitchen cupboards so she can empty them and make a mess if I'm busy. I also put the TV on with children songs when I put her on her hight chair, I know not everyone will agree with this but it gives me 10 or 15 mins...
She does sleep very well though, so even when it's very full on a get a break during the day and when she goes to bed.
Sending virtual hugs, OP xx

This level of attention seeking in toddlers is normal i'm afraid. They do grow out of it but it's really, really hard work.

I found it peaked with my
Eldest at 18 months and then started to get better. By 2 he was much easier! My second is 15 months and I'm counting down the days.

Don't feel guilty though, they do just literally have to get used to it. As the other posters said, tell him everything you are doing and he will start to learn that you are coming straight back