'Clingy' 2 year old - is this a problem?

[Jsgdud]

My just turned 2 year old is very 'clingy' when amongst others he doesn't know very well. On walls, if people walk towards us be will grab out hand until they walk past. We go to a toddler group and all the other children go up to the teacher and each other to copy what moves she is doing etc (or generally run around 🤣) but he will stay close to me at the back and want me to hold his hand to go closer to the group or to collect a toy etc. It's noticeable as he is the only one that does this (some may be older though but max 3 years old).
He will be starting pre school next September at 3 and I have no idea how I'd be able to leave him there without him getting into a state! We go to various groups/stay and plays etc and he's is ok staying with grandparents without us.

You have to accept him for who he is at this point. It's a passing worry. You can't force him.

In the nicest possible way he will be an entirely different child next September compared to now just as he was this September compared to last year.

It's a reasonable worry but you're worrying way too prematurely. Keep going to the groups and he will most likely start to join in once he builds up the confidence. In a years time as he's starting preschool you'll probably be wondering why you ever worried about him being so clingy.

Thank you - yes perhaps he will become more confident in the next year.
Just to add, I never force him to join in on his own and just follow his lead, being there for him but just wondered if this was fairly typical or not!.

Hi op this is totally normal for this age group try not to worry. If you are still worried you could speak to health visitor. At 2 children rely on their carer to make them feel safe - you are their whole world.

When children start nursery drop offs can be challenging I can't sugar coat that but the staff will be very supportive and encouraging and your child will build a relationship with them in time and benefit from it.

Dd2 went from screaming her head off at drop off to screaming her head off of the nursery nurse called amy hadn't arrived yet - then I became redundant instantly because she adored Amy.

Hope that's helpful x

Just to add, I never force him to join in on his own and just follow his lead, being there for him but just wondered if this was fairly typical or not!.

Youre doing exactly the right thing by being there and letting him find his feet with your support.

Unfortunately 3 year olds are contrary buggers and there is no typical. He may still find it hard to leave you in a year and that would be normal too but given he copes being with your family without you I'd say that's unlikely and he will be fine.

then I became redundant instantly because she adored Amy.

I feel your pain. I'm sure my small person would happily swap me for his favourite nursery worker without a second thought.

Covid has made lots of children worse than they normally Wouldham been. Try to be up beat and positive so he dosent pick anything up from your emotions and carry on being reassuring but not overly protective the more he goes the easier he will find it.

There's a huge difference in development between 2 and 3. September is a long way off yet so follow his lead, keep going with the groups and he will be fine.

Biggest bit of advice I can give you as a nursery nurse, On drop off give him a hug, tell him to have a great day (or give him a task/challenge like make a picture, see whats in the garden, read a story) and say goodbye. Then leave, don't hang around and save the tears until you are out of sight!

Hardest thing to do as a parent but honestly he will be fine! I sobbed everyday after dropping off my youngest as she screamed, clawed and cried, they has to peel her off me everyday for months. In her case I sent her too young (she was only just 2 and eligible for funding so felt pressured and thought I was doing the best for her, in hindsight it was the wrong decision and one of my biggest regrets).