Uber clingy-ness driving me nuts, is it normal?

[CPRTowers]

My 13 month old DD is so clingy I am wondering if it's normal. If she can see or hear me she goes completely nuts if I am not carrying her or giving her undivided attention. If anyone else tries to take her or play with her (including DH) an epic tantrum ensues so only I can look after her.

If I am not carrying her she will cling to my legs and scream at me (she is walking and too heavy to carry all the time). If I try to do anything at all except play with her exclusively she screams at me. I know there is a clingy stage but I am starting to lose the plot somewhat being screamed at all day long. Any ideas on how to encourage a bit of independence? Thanks.

Has she always been this way or is it a phase do you think?

My DS goes through phases which have got worse since he hit 1 yo but i think that's the age when separation anxiety peaks.

You could try leaving her with someone else for short periods while you get out for a while. She may have tears when you leave, but i think this is quite a common reaction to stop mummy/ daddy leaving. Pretty much as soon as the door shuts chances are she'll be fine. It will get her used to the idea that when you leave, you will always return. Don't make goodbyes protracted and sad, just give her a peck on the cheek, tell her you'll be back soon, and leave with a smile on your face. And if you need to get on and do things, perhaps try putting her in her high chair and give her a toy to play with or some raisins to eat while you're in the same room.

My dd - now 4.9 - was very like this. She used to nap on my back in a sling until she was about 9 months and would't let anyone else hold her\interact with her for a long, long time. Sorry, you probably didn't want to hear that, but just wanted to make the point that it's perfectly normal for some children.

I agree with the leaving her with someone else for short periods. My dd started nursery 2 days a week at 18 months and, although she did seem to spend the majority of the time in someone's arms, she did cope well, ate, slept, played.

That gave me a break but, to be honest, it was mainly time and her growing older that made a difference. At nearly 5, she still won't go upstairs by herself, but will sit and draw or watch TV whilst I get on with other things.

It is normal, but do schedule some time away for yourself, as you may be in for a long (but gradually getting easier) haul.

Thanks for your thoughts. She's been a little bit clingy since she was about 8 months but it's now really full on. Am trying to arrange for someone to look after her a few times during the week and really hoping that helps. Will certainly help my sanity!