18 month old suddenly hates all classes

[Summerdays2014]

Hi,

I have an 18 month old son who has been going to a variety of classes and play groups since six weeks. He's always loved them and preferred being out of the house to being in.

This past few weeks he's been very upset when we get there (both to new things and stuff we've been to before) he cries, runs for the door, tries to drag me away, tries to put his shoes on etc. I have no idea why this is suddenly happening. He goes to nursery 3 days a week (one day at the moment as I'm a teacher and it's school holidays) and has always been fine there. He hasn't been to nursery since this started as we've been away. He is fine at the park, soft play, library etc.

He also very clingy ATM and don't play on his own for a second. Making lunch etc is so difficult as he pulls me away, cries and hangs off my leg. He's starting to have toddler tantrums-getting upset when someone takes a toy he wants etc and is refusing food apart from what HE wants. Sleep had become awful as well the last week, he won't settle at night and has been crying which is. Dry unlike him.
I can't see any teeth and he doesn't seem ill. There has been a change in routine as he stayed at my parents for a few nights and I'm not at work. Is this just normal toddler behaviour? How do I handle it?
Thanks in advance.

My 15 month old has become more clingy since spending more time with me over the summer holidays. She is doing two days over the summer but due to the change is days she was not there for 7 days.

My DD also is nolonger interested in classes as she need to do her own thing.

There is an 18 month sleep regression too.

Sounds like he's over stimulated. He's already going to nursery 3x a week he doesn't need to do anything else apart from get fresh air at the park for the rest of the week or things he is happy with.

Maybe Dame. Just seems strange to me that it's started so suddenly. He loved the classes up until a few weeks ago. Very strange.

It doesn't strike me as strange. They go through a lot of changes at that age. Just stick with activities he enjoys (apart from making lunch, obviously you have to do that! Could he help?).

It's not strange ,children change at at great speed especially as toddlers. It's sounds as though you are doing an awful lot with him tbh.

The clinging on your leg etc could be separation anxiety - isn't this the prime time for it? (18 months?) - this coupled with him staying away for a few days (I presume you weren't with him, might have misunderstood that) could mean that when you arrive at groups he thinks you are planning to leave him there??

FWIW I didn't take my son to groups from about 2 onwards, he just wasn't interested in 'formal' music groups or sitting still for songs/stories. He wanted to be running around free in the park or whatever. I just spent the whole time chasing him around and trying to get him to sit/conform to the group and it just wasn't worth it!

We do one thing a day and only because gets bored and whinny at home. He used to be at his happiest when we were out and about. Always loved joining in.
Yes, I guess they change quickly, just wasn't expecting such a big change so quickly I guess.
This coupled with all the other (very normal) toddler issues - fussy eating etc has just stressed me out a bit I think.

Oh don't stay in,just keep it low key and nothing formal so park, library,friends,feeding the ducks etc.

Yes you have to go out. Staying in always leads to grumpy kids and fights with siblings with my two! Fresh air and a trip out somewhere is definitely required. Tires them out too.

I'll definitely go out! Staying us would drive us both crazy! I'll give the classes a miss for a while and just do the park/soft play etc. I'm wondering if it's just the change in routine due to the holidays and him staying the weekend at my parents that has unsettled him. Thanks for all advice.

Children and you need to get out and about. Pick things where you can have lots of one to one time e.g. Swimming, park or my toddler current favourite is going to the supermarket where the have toddler trolleys.