My son will be 18-months old soon and if I am around, he is like Velcro. If I am not around, I hear he is the most well adjusted toddler ever.
2006-10-17 14:32:35 · 12 answers · asked by dumudiva7 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
sounds like he may need to get more one on one time with you when you are around...maybe you can invite one of his little buddies over when you are around so he gets used to the idea of playing with someone else when you are around too...
2006-10-17 14:38:45 · answer #1 · answered by Dianne C 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
my son is 16 months old, and he's very much the say way. He pretty much follows me from room to room as I put dishes away, do the laundry, even go to the bathroom! About 3 weeks ago I started working at a daycare part time, and he's in another room without me. I thought he'd fall apart, but after a couple minutes of crying, he adjusts to the situation, and he does quite well. I've noticed that now I can leave the room sometimes, and he will continue playing for a couple minutes longer, before running to find me... which is progress in my house! If there is a playgroup you could get your son involved with for a couple days a week, where maybe you are not included, he may loosen up a little? I should say though that spending time away from my son while I work has made me appreciate our relationship soooo much more. I know one day he'll grow up, and never let me even hug him, so for now, I guess we should enjoy our precious boys!
Hope I helped even a little bit! Good luck.
2006-10-17 15:12:39 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My son is the same age. For the most part he's pretty independent. But sometimes at home, he can get really clingy and doesn't want to let me out of his site and/or touch (he never does this to his dad when they're home alone).
My living room is completely child-proof so I feel safe leaving him in that room by himself. If I go to work on something in the next room (so I can hear him, but he can't see me), he might fuss for a few minutes, but then he'll start playing by himself with his toys.
Once I finish whatever it is that I want to get done, I always make sure to spend some special time reading some books to him or playing with him.
Lately, in the last 2 or 3 weeks, it has gotten a lot better. Now I can even work around the house where he can see me and he doesn't try to fight too hard for my attention. I think he's come to realize that fussing and trying to grab onto me doesn't get me to play with him. But if he plays by himself for a bit, I will come and join him.
Sometimes, when he's in a bit of a mood, I find that letting him watch a DVD (we like Sesame Street) will calm him down and let me get stuff done. Usually, however, I don't like to do this since he goes into what I call the "tv trance". I normally like to make Sesame Street viewing an activity we do together, so I can talk to him about it and involve him in the play going on on the DVD.
2006-10-18 05:04:41 · answer #3 · answered by Samantha 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's so funny that you made the Velcro reference. I called my son "Velcro Boy" until he was about 18 months and graduated to "Koala Dude". Now he's 11 and it's been shortened to just "Dude", I wouldn't want to embarrass him in front of other kids. But we both know the Koala is implied even now.
Why would you want him to stop? I think you should let him cling. You are the center of his universe and he expects to be the center of yours. I loved how my son only had eyes for momma. His first word was momma and he wouldn't even try to say anything else for like 7 months! He still loves being with me, and I'll tell you something pretty cool - I know I'll never be put in a home when I'm old. He's going to be the one taking care of me, I'm sure of that. He helps out around the house without any fuss and loves when we have time for just the two of us. I think it's great!
2006-10-17 14:51:20 · answer #4 · answered by Chocoholic 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is my daughter also... I don't want to scare you but she is 25 months old and it drives me nuts. She has to be holding my hair too. I am her security blanket. When I asked the doctor about it he said that by the time she turns 3 she will probably be very well adjusted as herself and start to let go. I have gotten her to let go of my hair, if we are home she plays on her own unless we get company. Shes my baby (youngest of 3). So I guess I secretly like and enjoy her. Just when daddy or someone else is around they tell me she has "mommy syndrome" :-( I am not sure there is a way to make it stop but rather he grows out of it.
Good Luck
2006-10-17 15:44:54 · answer #5 · answered by erinjl123456 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As everyone else has stated, it is just a phase, and he will in time get over it. My daughter was like this for over a year. She is 3 now. However I was a stay at home mom and never went anywhere without her. I visited my parents almost daily and she did and still does adore them, but when I would leave the room, even just to use the bathroom, she would scream bloody murder. Luckily, every parent has gone through this and understands when your child acts this was as you try to leave. The best thing to do, as painful as it may sound is, is to just leave. Spend lots of special time prior to that poiont, and explain that you will soon return. I promise you it will subside. In a short time he will be begging you to leave him so he can go off and do his own thing.
2006-10-17 15:10:22 · answer #6 · answered by lyfsavr1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's just a thing they do...it's like they think you only exist for them. You might try giving him tasks or toys that keep him busy and independent or try (I know how hard this can be) to involve him in what you are doing. For instance, if you are unloading the dishwasher, have him hand you the dishes or when doing laundry, have him take the clothes out of the dryer and put them in the basket for you. I have found with my son (now 2 1/2), that if I involve him in what I am doing he is more apt to do what he wants by himself once he has gotten his fill of "helping mommy". Good luck and he will grow out of it....but when he is a teenager you will be forcing him to spend time with you.
2006-10-17 20:02:38 · answer #7 · answered by chrissy757 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At 18 months, this is normal and they eventually grow out of it. Also, some kids continue to be clingy. If you can get them involved in a mothers day out program where you leave them for a while this will help with some children.
2006-10-17 14:43:02 · answer #8 · answered by rltouhe 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He'll grow out of it soon enough and there will be a time when you look back at his clingyness and wished he would still do it.
I know it can be a pain, I went through it, but its so suddenly over that you will actually miss it. He's only 18 months and might be feelling separation anxiety when you're not around and therefore clings when you are.
2006-10-17 15:30:06 · answer #9 · answered by Mightymo 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
He is your best friend at this time and assumes you are his.
Enjoy it while you can because soon he will be off doing alot of things without you.
He will let you know when hes ready to be more independent and its all going to happen soon on its own.
2006-10-17 15:15:28 · answer #10 · answered by ~♥ L ♥~ 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
That is a normal reaction from a child that age. He wants your attention. They grow up so fast enjoy the time you have with him. When they get older all they want to do is to be left alone. I wish my boys were that age again!!
2006-10-17 14:45:12 · answer #11 · answered by truckmama_34 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋