22 month old screaming when sees family

[Twinkle92]

My 22 month old has just started to scream and shout no way when she sees family members. She’ll carry it on for about 5 minutes and then she’s fine but I’m finding it really embarrassing as it’s people she’s seen a lot, for example my mum and dad, sister etc. I tell them to just ignore her and not make a fuss of her until she’s calmed down, but she’s so loud with it. They all love her so much and I feel bad for them. She does it if we go to their house or they come to ours. Clings to me shouting and screaming. No way, no way. My mum has looked after her 3 days a week since June 2021 when I went back to work, so she’s very used to her. They say it could be because she doesn’t want to be away from me and associates it with being left, but she’s the same with other family member. As I say, she does come round but it’s the same every time now and it’s starting to put me off visiting. Anyone else or any tips? Thanks.

My DD was a bit like this (doesn't do it now she's over 2.5yo). Do you tell her you'll be visiting them or they're visiting you to prepare her or do they just pop by unannounced? I think we pretty much just let my DD express herself & didn't make a fuss of it, just pretty much did what you are doing til she calmed herself down. She doesn't do it now so hopefully your DC will grow out of it soon!

If we’re going to visit I tell her and make it sound exciting. Sometimes they just turn up unannounced, doesn’t really make a difference. Thank you for your reply. Here’s hoping it’s ‘just another phase!’ Haha.

Is it with specific people? Is she ever left alone with the specific people?

I'd be worried about what's happening when you're not there to create such an extreme reaction?

It’s everyone at the minute to be honest. She’s very clingy with me lately so I just think she’s probably worried they are going to take her when she wants to stay with me.
Not worried about what’s happening when I’m not there as she’s with my mum and she’s fine when I’ve left, it’s just when we first get there or they first get here. Fine in other settings like soft play where’s there’s lots of adults and kids around. Seems to feel more comfortable when kids are there.

Hi I know long shot but please do you have an update ? I am in the same boat with my dd

Sounds quite normal to me. My 20 month old is clingy, and often screams at anyone who isn't me, papa (dad) or 3yr old sister. Warms up after maybe half hour, an hour or so.

Just turned 3yr old is fine, tho sometimes go shy for a bit.

Hi @Firstimemum24
Sorry only just replying, the notification went to my junk.
My daughter is loads better. She’s 4.3 now and doesn’t scream at family anymore. Can’t really say when it stopped. She does still get shy sometimes and isn’t a hugger, other than with me and her dad. That has to be on her terms she won’t give one to family when asked most of the time. She loves family and always wants to see them, but she can be grumpy with them and us at times haha. She’s still very shy around strangers. Will sometimes shout a bit if they approach her and try talking to her or looks away. It’s like she doesn’t like the attention on her. If other kids are there she’s a lot better. I think it’s just a personality thing. We bought her a bike for Christmas and she learned to ride it on day one, but when we went out with family she wouldn’t ride it because she said she felt embarrassed everyone watching Incase she fell off. I was always shy whereas my husband is the opposite, I guess she gets it from me. Started school last Jan and they say she is lovely, chatty and confident so I honestly think it depends on the environment.