A clingy toddler?!

[soapymac]

Hi all,

Title makes it seem a bit run-of-the-mill but I'd like some opinions.

I am a single dad to a 22m/o LB, who is my world. I work full time, and thus, LB goes to a nursery Mon-Fri. He has gone since he was very small, ~6 months old, and has loved every minute as he's grown. He has lots of friends, is a good sharer/plays well (for a toddler, mind you), and loves the ladies that run the nursery. He is a very happy little guy, easily pleased, full of beans, cheeky, chatty etc etc.

However, in the past week, he has suddenly grown VERY clingy. He screams and cries and refuses to leave me in the mornings, and will not calm down. I was actually called to pick him up today as he was so upset. This has NEVER happened before, and I'm so confused/worried as to why everything has changed. Nursery workers tell me nothing's happened, the parent workers that do shifts at the nursery say the same, nothing has happened at home. Nothing has changed in his life, in short.

I'm just looking to see if anyone has any advice for dealing with it? I obviously left work today, and have got tomorrow off, so I can spend some time with him. He's pretty much been glued to me all day, but has been his usual self apart from that. Currently wolfing down his dinner, so I don't think he's sick...

Yeah. Any advice appreciated, TIA!

It sounds like classic seperation anxiety. I've not experienced it myself but it is very common. Many children go through it.
Have you done a bit of googling?
www.leapfrog.com/en/leapfrog_parents/toddler/blogs/toddler_separation_anxiety.html
www.helpguide.org/mental/separation_anxiety_causes_prevention_treatment.htm
Some sensible advice
Nursery should be experienced in dealing with it. I'm quite surprised they made you come and get him. They must know that's not a long term solution.
Does he have a comforter/toy? Maybe give him something of yours to look after til you come back. Photos? Bribery?
Someone with some experience of it will be better able to help!

If guess he doesn't feel too good or he's teething. Seems a little strange to suddenly become like this and to this degree.
I'd imagine it will pass but it's horrible to deal with it at the time.