Over the past few weeks my DD has started being very very clingy.
She's stated she wants to stop going to gym class (she's been going for 6 months - I leave her with the instructors and watch through the glass);
she's crying when I try to leave her at nursery or pre-school (she's been going to both of these for over a year);
she won't stay with a babysitter without crying throughout(even though she's known them for years);
tomorrow I need to go to a docs appointment on my own and have arranged for her to go to her friends for a couple of hours. She said she doesn't want to go (even though its her BEST friend). When trying to get to the bottom of it it sounds as though she doesn't want me to leave her . . . saying she's poorly;
last night her Dad came home in time to be able to take her to bed/read her a story - but she pushed him away and insisted Mummy read it.
she's not sleeping very well (still awake at 11pm) - despite usually being a fairly regular 7.30 sleeper.
I'm wondering if anyone has any tips.
She's had a couple of bouts of non-serious illness over past 4 weeks (a cold and tummy upset), so has been home with me more than usual. She's ordinarily very strong-willed. I can only put this down to 3 options 1) she wants to exert control 2) she is encountering separation anxiety (even though she hasn't previously displayed severe symptoms) 3) she is genuinely still recovering from an illness??
Do children this age start to think about things in a different way / worry about something happening to their main carer?? We are very securely attached, with a good routine and understanding that if I do leave her with someone else I always come back.
Any ideas very welcome