14mo clingy and jealous at nursery

[duende]

DS is 14 months old and started nursery 2 months ago. He goes 3 times a week at the moment, 8-1pm. It took him nearly 4 weeks to stop crying and clinging on to me when I drop him off, but he finally settled. He now reaches out to the nursery girls and goes to them without any fuss and with a smile on his face. However, in the last 2 weeks he started being really cingy with them. He cries every time when they give attention or look after other babies. When he started there, there were usually only 3 babies in the baby room (and 3 carers), he was the youngest and the newest one, so he was getting plenty of attention and cuddles. Now they have 6 babies, 2 of them younger than DS so naturally need more attention and more physical contact from the carers. He really doesn't like it and cries a lot. (but he is never just left to his own devices, I know that the girls try and encourage him to join in whatever they are doing and still give him as many cuddles as they can.)

On Sunday we went for dinner to our friends' house. They have a son the same age as my DS and DS knows them well. This time he cried the whole time when the other baby was in the same room, and frankly, spoilt the afternoon for everyone.

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone had experience of this? Is there anything I can do to help him get over it? Is it normal..?
When wil it pass...??

Sorry this is so long :(

I haven't had your exact experience as DD went to a childminder but I know she felt a little pushed out when a younger baby joined. The way you've written it it all makes sense really, he's trying to adapt to his changing circumstances and I am sure he will get there in the end. Sorry I haven't got any advice but perhaps someone will come along ina minute who has, or you could try posting in the nursery topic.

BR, thanks for your post. I suppose it does all make sense but it's worrying to see him unhappy and also it makes life more difficult for the nursery staff.

another phase, I suppose.

The staff are probably used to this kind of thing though and it sounds as though they are trying to make it as easy as possible for your son. Do they use positive reinforcement to encourage him as this is something you can also do.

And don't worry about your son acting up at get togethers, they'll come a time when your son will behave perfectly and another child will be a nightmare and you'll feel so relieved that other children have their off days (what that is how I feel sometimes).