Overly attached twins - what do I do?

huntertwin

My twins are two years old. They are our first and only babies. My problem is, they are so attached to me that I feel it's a problem.

The have been going to daycare since last October and they love it there. They are very happy and healthy, and the best of friends. They love their dad, who is very attentive with them and loving and probably spends as much time with them as I do, yet they need me to hold them a lot, comfort them when they cry, dress them, etc. They often won't let their father come near them, and would rather fight and scream over which of them gets to sit in my lap.

But when I'm not around, he says they're very different, much more laid back and not at all clingy. I'm thinking this is some sort of competition between the girls for my attention/love, but I have no idea how to deal with this. I hate the fact that they reject their dad constantly when I'm around, and I'm not sure this behavior is healthy. What do you think?

mmhopeful

I don't have an answer but was wondering what your pediatrician said about this.

TheDairyQueenx3

My singleton did this as well and I'm assuming my twins will do the same. It is normal and they will eventually out grow it.

Enjoy it while it last because now my 4 year old could care less if I'm even in the same room or not. He's busy playing toys and becoming independent.

BabyCarryingVessel

Sounds just like my girls! They are 19 months and I could have written word for word what you wrote. I agree it's a phase and it's nothing to worry about. Completely normal, yet frustrating too. DH doesn't understand why I can't do anything when I'm home with the girls... They insist that I hold them all day (Okay by me!)

karah4816

My twins are infants but I remember when my nephew went through this. It really hurt my brother's feelings that he only wanted his mom but he grew out of it. He's a lot more independant now.

huntertwin

Thank you all! I should have known it was a phase. It can just be so frustrating
:-S

yinyang124

Just echoing that it is a phase and sending a very empathetic hug, as I am going through similar with my 1.5 year old twins. My boys have been in daycare since last September and didn't bat an eye at drop-off until a few months ago. Now one of them pushes my hands away when I try to unbuckle him from the stroller and screams as soon as the teacher opens the door. Today, he clung on to my jacket so tightly...broke my heart. They also both throw tantrums at bedtime because they don't want me to leave them, but will go to sleep just fine for my husband and other family members. Talking to them about what is going to happen seems to help, such as "It's bedtime now. Mommy loves you and will be in the next room. Night night." and "Look, we're at daycare! Mommy loves you and will see you later." Other times, well, I've got nothin'.