Toddler only wants me

[EmmaInParis]

I’m sure this is a common phase but finding it quite suffocating atm... my 17mo DD is very much a mama’s girl at the minute and separation anxiety is hitting hard. Getting overwhelmed with the constant crying for “mama” when I’m in another room or doing something around the house that means I can’t pick her up. I’m not sure how much I should be just giving her what she needs right now and riding out this phase, or how much I should be gently encouraging her to do with my DH. We typically take turns at bedtime for instance but I’ve tended to do it most nights lately. I’m sick today so he’s doing it and I can hear her crying for me and it’s horrible. Feel like a terrible mum 😔

I wouldn't leave her by herself crying, but if DH is there I would leave her every single time. He's her parent too and she'll adapt to him doing stuff for her if given a chance. The more he does, the more she'll get used to it.

You need to leave the house in the evening when your husband is putting her to bed - this doesn't have to be permanent, but it will calm all three of you down and help your husband find his way with her. Maybe also a weekend away?

Thanks both! He is brilliant with her and she does go to sleep for him fine in the end. I’m sure it would be less drama if she knew I wasn’t there but that said, this latest bout of separation anxiety seems to have come on just after I went away for a hen weekend so it may be a reaction to that (or just coincidence, who knows!). It’s not so much bedtime that’s the issue but all the time really... around the house, nursery drop off etc (though DH does that one most of the time if he’s not away working)