ds nearly 2 so so clingy! How do i stop this?

[juicychops]

My ds went through a really clingy stage when he turnt 1 as his dad left. This went on for about 4 months then it calmed down a lot. He has always been quite clingy though.

But the last couple of months its all come back again! He is like my shadow! He follows me everywhere, always trying to climb on me, even if i bend down to pick something up he's trying to get on my bck.

If i go upstairs and tell him to wait downstairs mummy will be back in a second, Il turn around and he is right there with me.

Sometimes its nice if im feeling a bit down or need cheering up, but in general its not fun at all. I do reading and play games with him throughout the day. He used to play well on his own but now he will try and drag me over to where he wants me to sit so he can play next to me.

How do i get him out of this? he's 2 in just over a week

juicy, sympathy from me as my ds was always a big attention wanter and was clingy as a toddler. Just to re-assure you, this does change as they mature, ds is 4 and a half now and it's certainly not an issue.

I know it's hard but I think you just have to give him what he wants as much as you can. He's asking for your attention and your company and I think there is nothing to be gained from trying to 'train' this out of him; he will change it himself when he doesn't need it so much anymore. I just resigned myself to it, and went with it, and it was fine; frustrating at times but as I say it doesn't last for ever. I played with my ds lots and I'm sure it helped greatly with his development and his security.

I also think that as his sole resident parent this must be so much harder for you; at least my DH could take over when he was around. Does your ds have contact with his dad?

I've worked with seperated families alot and one thing I think it's worth thinking about is that while your ds has obviously adapted to his dad going, please don't think he's dealt with it for good.

He will have to get used to the idea in lots of ways and at lots of different times in his development; so it's an issue you might need to keep in the forefront of your mind. I'm not saying his clinginess now is to do with this though! Lots and lots of kids are like this; just remember it will change....

Thats sunnysideup thats made me feel better.

No he has no contact with his dad. It is hard work and draining but he has no brothers or sisters and doesn't really see anyone else as i dont see my family much and i dont have many friends.
the parent and toddler group i went to wasn't good so ive stopped going.

i would like to put him in a creche in the local shopping centre or something maybe an hour a week so we can both have space from eachother - i think i need it more than him!! but i don;t think he will let that happen