Why is my nearly 14 months toddler so clingy?

[zuzkah]

Hi there ladies. Im nearly at the end of my tether. My ds is nearly 14 months and he became a nightmare during the day when we are at home. He is very clingy, seems like he is whinging constatnly and crying for attention. If Im playing with him he is happy but as soon as I leave the room to do the chores he starts to whine. I cant do the washing up any more without him being upset! When we are out and about he is very happy and contented. In playgroups he doesn't even look at me and does his own thing. Im taking him out every day but I can't spend my whole day out with him for him to be happy. There are meals to be cooked, house to be cleaned, clothes to be washed...you know the routine.
I just wonder if anyone has a similar experience?
Can it be late separation anxiety? But why only at home? I don't understand. He reduced me to tears twice today I don't know what to do.... Thanks for anything.

Hi Zuzkah, both of my ds went/go in and out of separation anxiety with no rhyme or reason (3 and 19mths). I usually have a think about what's happening at the time.... teeth, cold coming, particularly disruptive time like Christmas. And try to ride it. To be honest I completely let the cleaning go now because I know it will pass at some point. Your ds is only 14 months, I'd say, if you possibly can, give him the time he's asking for... see what happens. It might be worth a try.

My DS is the same age and doing the exact same thing! It's really hard work isn't it. I hope it is just a stage as normally he is fine to play on his own for a bit while I run around putting the washing away etc.

My ds is the same age and being more clingy than normal. I also think it is seperation anxiety. It it supposed to peak between 10 and 18months or something like that.

I just give ds attention when he asks for it if it is possible. If he's being clingy when being put down for a nap I just pick him up and reassure him till he's calmed down then put him down again, put his mobile on/stroke his head etc. I think they just want to know you'll respond.

Another thing that helps if I'm actually going out ot dh is is to make sure we say 'bye' a few times and wave and say well be back soon. I think this helps him understand we will be back and he seems calmer. I think they understand a lot more than they let on, just explaining what's happening can sometimes help, not always though!

It is a phase...

What a relief just to know Im not alone and that it's a normal phase. I suppose I'll respond to his needs whenever possible and so what if there's washing to be done etc. If it keeps me sane... and my ds happy. He's been much better since. Thanks for your replies ladies and good luck with your little angels.