Help DS (16mths)'s clinginess with DH is making family time unbearable for all of us!

[Jacksmybaby]

DH goes to work weekdays; in the mornings when DH is getting ready, DS is a bit clingy and whiney but soon gets over it once DH has left. But at weekends, DS is obviously so paranoid about DH leaving him that he follows him around, whining incessantly, refusing to be put down and generally being a complete pain. The ridiculous thing is that he is obviously so devoted to DH, but at weekends instead of enjoying the time he has with him, he just whines and clings. So he doesn't get to enjoy spending time with his daddy, DH doesn't enjoy spending time with him either and I don't enjoy spending time with the pair of them!! Any tips on how long this (hopefully!) phase will last and what we can do to make things more bearable! This bank hol weekend has been a nightmare.

Generally speaking I work on the principle that if my DS has a need that is a PITA for me, like being clingy, then he is trying to tell me that I need to DO something about it. Then mostly the need goes away. In your case I would try getting your DH to carry your DS around for a whole weekend and generally paying him 100% attention. I know it is hard when you need a break but hopefully it might pay off. It has done with my DS, who was clingy like that with me.

And it is just a phase and he will grow out of it

Thanks PL. The trouble is, even when DH is paying DS complete attention, DS just seems to be so terrified that DH will leave him that he still whines. We have tried reassuring him again and again at weekends that daddy isn't going anywhere, and on weekdays that daddy is going to work but will be back later, but he's a bit too young to really understand that I think.
It's very wearing.