How do you cope with a super clingy toddler?

[widdle]

My DS is 15 MO and has always been very clingy to me but it just seems to be getting worse to the point where I'm struggling to get anything done when he is around.

For example in the morning I get up and have a shower and as soon as I walk into the living room he cries and tries to get to me. I then spend the entire morning carrying him around as I try to get ready for work, get his nursery bag sorted, get breakfast etc. All of which takes twice as long as it should. If I give him to DH he will scream and claw his way back to me and will run back to me as soon as DH puts him down.

I'm struggling to get his dinner ready and by the time that is done he is usually so inconsolable he won't eat. I'm not even trying to do anything hard - just bunging beans on toast as the quickest easiest meal for him that isn't too unhealthy. I've tried sitting him in his highchair when I'm making dinner but he just tries to climb out and get really upset.

I live in admiration of those mothers who prepare everything from scratch and bake - how the hell do they do it??!

The worst part is the effect on my own behaviour - I'm stressed and have shouted at him before and seem to be really irritable as soon as I see him - it's like we just wind each other up. I work part time and so get to spend lots of time playing with him so it's not as if he doesn't see me all day.

I suppose what I'm really asking is are there any useful strategies to help my keep my rag?

Sorry for the essay!!

You probably won't like my advice, but I would just pick him up and take him everywhere you go, as far as possible. Sorry. It's a stage and completely normal. He may well be at an extreme end of normal, but it's totally age appropriate behaviour. He'll probably get through the stage quicker and definitely more painlessly if you keep him close. I appreciate this can be trying. If it's any consolation, my dd was the ultimate clingon baby from about 5 months to two and a half. From age three she became the most outgoing, sociable, confident child I know.

At that age I'd put DD in a sling on my back while I got on with things. She got through it eventually although it was chuffing hard work at the time.

Agree with above. Dc1 was super clingy at the age. Dc1 is five now and starting school. Not one tear. In fact dc is disappointed when there's no school at the weekend.

I did the sling till two and coslept till two and a half.

I agree, just go with it. It will pass. It's an important phase and he needs to learn you are there, he will be v confident when older if you do.
Def get a good toddler sling x

A good mental strategy is to keep repeating its a phase.

My ds was like this, and now he will never sit with me or come to me! He's so damn independent he never looks back! Makes me miss the clingy stage a bit!

Also, have compassion for him, is another good mental strategy. He is learning, he doesn't understand you will be right back, he thinks you're off forever when you turn the corner

Thanks for your replies - I'm glad to hear it's just a phase. I was a bit reluctant to give in every time in case he just got worse but what you say makes sense.

Will check out some slings - does anyone have any recommendations? DS hated the sling as a baby but he might quite enjoy it now!

Teething? Coming down with something?

Could be teething but if so he has been teething for the last 15 months

You have my sympathies DS1 was like this and DS2 is now the same (16mo) I would also recommend a sling (I use a connecta on my back or a ring sling where they sit on your hip) and try and do some stuff while he's sleeping. I think it's mostly just accepting your house will be a mess and a lot of stuff won't get done....but I promise it doesn't last forever.
Good luck and be kind to yourself, try and fit some time in for yourself if you possibly can x

Reflux? My dd was so so very clingy. She was grumpy as hell too.

My 17 month ds is very clingy; I just pick him up & do dinner one handed! The Tula toddler carrier is brilliant.

Search toddler slings Mumsnet on google and a great thread will come up with good recommendations. Or visit your local sling library to try some out