Why is my toddler always so miserable with me?

[mrssteveharringtonthe1st]

My 19 month old toddler is by all accounts an absolute joy at nursery, which he attends three days a week. Always happy and smiling there. Yet when he's with me or his Dad he's an absolute misery. Just whinges and cries all the time. Has to be held at all times. Screams in the buggy, screams in the car but usually refuses to walk. I use the carrier a lot but I hate using it as he's just too heavy and also I need to be able to carry other things! And I get too hot and sweaty! He just whines all bloody day regardless of whether we are out or at home. I give Calpol and neurofen and it makes no difference. He sleeps well. I honestly dread my days at home with him as he's never happy. I physically cannot just carry him all day, carrier or no carrier.

I do think kids show their "true colours" with their parents, as they don't feel emotionally comfortable when in other environments such as nursery or with grandparents. Mine is a horror for things like nappy changes, clothes changes, having face/hands cleaned after meals but at nursery apparently is a little angel. Unfortunately I don't think there's much you can do - is he getting enough sleep on non-nursery days? Mine does 3 consecutive days and she is so tired the next day she has an extra nap. With carrying, can you try a hiking backpack carrier instead? I find that far easier that the soft front carriers, now mine is bigger. Or honestly, I just put mine in the buggy sometimes and tolerate the moaning.