Why does my child want to be velcro'd to me at all times?

jodyplustwinsx2

OMG why, why, why?! Charlotte has always been clingy, and a momma's girl, but lately she is literally velcro'd to me at all times or she is screaming like someone is killing her. I'd blame it on the move except that it started before the move! Is there some kind of crazed 16-17 mo separation anxiety that I'm not aware of?! Alice isn't as bad, but she screams if people look at her half the time because she's afraid that they are going to take her/feed her/hold her instead of me! OY.

I WAH so I am literally home all day, every day, except for two afternoons per week. It's not like they don't see enough of me. I'm not even in school right now, so I'm home for bedtimes, too. WHY are they so obsessed with me? I love it, and it's really sweet, but it'd be nice to be able to shower without Charlotte losing her chit.

CAchica

I've read that separation anxiety can peek at 18 mos. Don't worry this won't last forever and in a few years you'll miss it (and forget how exhausting it is).

Tess12

I've heard the same thing about separation anxiety peaking at 18 months.

But I also have a theory.  I notice that Madeleine gets really clingy and whiney when she's learning new skills.  My husband thinks it's because it's sort of scary to do something new. 

M has been doing all sorts of new stuff this past week and she's been absolutely impossible.  If I try to do anything that does not involve her (make dinner, clean the house, check my e-mail, read a book etc) she goes ballistic. 

jodyplustwinsx2

Hrm, it did coincide with her starting to walk now that you mention it... she started walking, then wanted to be held all the time, and then wanted me all the time. Maybe walking is scary. She is very sensitive and tentative to begin with, so learning to walk might be kind of a lot for her to take on. Thanks for that input, I never would have come up with that on my own!

TheSkimmy

DS is like that right now too!!! OMG he wants to be held and walked or standing at all times. He freaks out if I sit down with him and no way in heck can I do anything without him at my side. My house is a disaster. Our kids seem to do things at the same time!

Tess12

jodyplustwinsx2:

Hrm, it did coincide with her starting to walk now that you mention it... she started walking, then wanted to be held all the time, and then wanted me all the time. Maybe walking is scary. She is very sensitive and tentative to begin with, so learning to walk might be kind of a lot for her to take on. Thanks for that input, I never would have come up with that on my own!

She sounds like Maddie--sensitive and tentative is a good description.  I guess they just need extra reassurance when they're doing a lot of growing and learning.