Mummy cuddle...

[IronMonger]

My 2yr DS is going through a phase of some kind. I don't know if it's teething or anxiety or something else but he is very clingy and always asks for a mummy cuddle, even when I am already cuddling him. He wriggles out of my arms and then starts crying and asking for more cuddles.
I'm less worried about his current need for attention than my apparent inability to provide it for him. Has anyone else gone through this? What did you do to comfort you child when giving them the comfort they are asking for does not comfort them? (blah blah ramble ramble!)

It sounds like he can't commmunicate his real needs at this time....could it be simply that he is tired? My DD began saying "I want to go hoooome!" when she WAS at home....it worried me...I now think it was whenever she was thinking about being homesick or missing me at school...and re-living the feeling.

She's 7 now and never says it....is DS at nursery? If so, how is he there?

He is at nursery, and is generally fine but has been a bit sensitive recently. I think you're right about him not being able to communicate what he really needs. I think it's a phase maybe to do with teething but I would like ideas on how to tease out of him what he really wants.
Glad I'm not alone on this one!

Ask at nursery if anything has changed there recently...some new staff? Change of routine?

If I were you, when he does the "Mummy Cuddle" thing, I would try changing the atmosphere and the energy of the moment completely...by offering an attractive alternative to the cuddle...maybe a lively "I know..let's play trains!" or whatever you know he loves...that should dissipate his actions a bit hopefully.

Thanks House. He is about to settle into the older room, and has been visiting it with his keyworker, so that may be upsetting him. I'll try the distracting alternative - it's quite a challenge - I swoop on him when he asks for a cuddle, he gives me such lovely ones when he's happy!

I'd definitely give him the cuddle when he asks for it, but then try and turn it into something fun like a tickle or an ear nibble or anything to get him giggling and wiggling.

Can you give him lots of hugs even when he is not asking - for added reassurance?