Clingy, grumpy 18 month old

[lustforlife]

DD is 18 months old and for the past couple of weeks she has been in such a bad mood all day, everyday. When we're at home I have to pick her up and carry her around or else she is grabbing onto my leg crying 'mumumumummm'. She won't even let her dad near her at the minute. She screams and arches her back if I try to out her in her car seat, buddy, or high chair so I'm finding things really difficult.

My MIL watches DD for 2 days a week while I'm at work and always comments on what a lovely mood she's been in etc. I can't help but feel like I'm doing something wrong? It seems like it's only me she's like this with. I try to get out the house as much as I can and we go swimming, play groups etc every week but she just never seems happy at the minute

I have Dd the same age and it is TOUGH! I cant even turn my back on her without her going bananas on bad days!

She's pushing boundaries with you because she feels safe with you. She knows you wont leave and still love her.

We had a rotten few weeks but seem to be coming out of the other side now (mostly)

You said you have to pick her up and carry her around No you don't you are choosing to. Maybe you need to be firmer They know how to press our buttons and manipulate us mums. A firm no I'm not picking you up let's go and do this should do the trick but stick to your guns and don't give in to whinging walk away and pretend you are not even noticing it really does work

You aren’t doing anything wrong. Somewhere between teething and frustration and developing her gross motor skills/speech and separation anxiety and maybe even being a bit poorly will be the reason why she’s grumpy. You are her safe person, which is why she’s at her worse with you. We’ve had phases of this throughout years 1 to 2 and I’m sure it’ll continue beyond 2. Are you really busy on your days off with her? I find being out of the house for most of the day stops the grumps (and means he sleeps well!). Toddler group in the morning then out for a walk to the park/ducks/cafe in the afternoon. I get him into the car by letting him watch tv on my phone and in to the buggy with some fiddly snacks that distract him, like a box of raisins. I’m sure some people would say I’m pandering to him, but I’d rather that then trying to wrestle him in screaming and hurting myself in the process.

You are her safe person. With your DM she holds it together and when she is back in her safe space it all comes out. Really normal and a sign of healthy development.

Still really shitty for the parents though. DD has just turned 4 and is perfect at preschool all day and whenever she is with someone else but as soon as she gets home it is screamy glue time!

Thanks everyone for your comments, they've helped me feel not-so-alone. On my days off we will normally get out for the morning, come back for DD's nap and lunch and then either walk the dog, go to the shop etc but then home for a good few hours before the evening routine starts. I do find that she's more irritable when we are at home so maybe I could try to plan something more for the afternoons. I'm aware there is a big leap in development at this age so I guess I'll just ride it out and hopefully have a happier toddler in a few weeks

@AliceW89 aww we will have to try feeding the ducks soon, I haven't braved that one yet! And yes I agree with the distractions. My partner and family say I pander to her too much but I'm sure they would too if they were around her as much as I am