Toddler hates me giving attention to others!

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My toddler, aged 3, literally hates it when I give positive attention to someone else.. will literally scream 'I want to do that' if I have praised someone else for something.. like his younger nephew for example.

He also hates it when I'm on the phone or talking with another adult with him present, he demands my attention! For example, I'll see my neighbour and we have a chat - my DS will say "mummy, mummy" and hang at my legs until I stop and give him attention (literally have no choice at that point!)

It's tricky as I don't feel I can interact with adults with him there.. I wait until he is napping to use the phone etc.,

I thought it was due to me not giving enough attention and praise but I'm sure I do..!

I'm exhausted most days as he wakes at 5-6am every morning and is only at nursery mornings..

Anyone had this before? Is it about setting boundaries for him?

It's just one of a long line of awful "phases" that some children go through. Totally normal and nothing you are doing wrong. Grit your teeth! Sorry!

Pretty normal ime. If I remember I try to ‘fill their cup’ beforehand so they are not feeling insecure and needing me less, and it can help to explain ‘I am going to be talking to x and y, if you need to talk to me don’t interrupt but come and hold my hand so I know you are waiting’. Still working on that last one with almost 6yr old though and 3yr old doesn’t get it at all! Well, gets it, but just can’t contain her feelings when she wants me.

Yep - as PP said - totally normal and one reason (of many) why you won’t be able to finish an adult conversation when you’re with a toddler.