Decoding your one year old

arobert123

I am really struggling with DD.  For the past week she has been pretty clingy, but for the past 2-3 days its ramped up and now she wants to be held all. the. time.  I can't even sit on the floor and put her next to me, she wants to be in my lap or on my hip constantly.  She cries and cries and follows me around until she gets comfort.  This is not her usual behavior, she is usually fiercely independent and constantly on the move.  She does not behave this way at daycare, just with me (lucky me! ).  Its to the point that I feel bad for DS because he's not getting much attention.

How do you go about decoding your one year old?  I feel like there has to be a method to the madness.  I have no idea if its teeth, or an ear infection, or separation anxiety, or just not feeling well, or a stage?  I've been looking for clues, but I've got nothing (at least nothing consistent).  I feel like a bit of an idiot calling the ped because I'm not sure what I'm calling for!

2shihtzus

Honestly, I think it's just the separation anxiety phase which (from what I understand) is pretty typical around this age.  My boys are around the same age and they used to go to anyone and everyone and not care at all.  Now, if my husband or I are in the room, they want us....period.  They whine and cry if anyone else tries to hold them and we are around.  They also are wanting to be sitting in my lap or being somehow attached to me like 24/7.

I don't have any advice but just wanted to let you know that you are not alone.  One year olds are a freaking mystery, it is so hard to know what they want when they can't tell you - that is the hardest thing for me about this age.  As far as decoding them, I'm thinking maybe a Ouija board???

ETA: Just really looked at your ticker vs. mine and it looks my boys are not around the same age as your kids, it looks like they actually are the exact same age.  Were they born on March 26th?

CER+MEL

If she plays happily once you hold her, she probably is just looking to be close to you, but if she's especially snuggly, I'd think something was up. Maybe I'm too quick to turn to meds, but if she's not showing any symptoms to share with a doctor or nurse (fever, pulling on an ear, not eating/sleeping, etc.) I'd try a dose of Tylenol assuming a tooth was coming in that I just couldn't see yet.  If you're not comfortable with that, call the doctor/nurse to see if you should be concerned.  They're used to those calls!

Haven1

DS1 is like this, but really, he's been like this his whole life.    Thankfully, my DS2 is independent and happy despite my stress over his lack of attention.  It's really hitting a peak, but it's just part of growing up and realizing that I've "left" him.  I wouldn't call the pedi though.  Hopefully they'll grow out of it, and hopefully the other one won't be scared forever.

arobert123

2shihtzus:

Honestly, I think it's just the separation anxiety phase which (from what I understand) is pretty typical around this age.  My boys are around the same age and they used to go to anyone and everyone and not care at all.  Now, if my husband or I are in the room, they want us....period.  They whine and cry if anyone else tries to hold them and we are around.  They also are wanting to be sitting in my lap or being somehow attached to me like 24/7.

I don't have any advice but just wanted to let you know that you are not alone.  One year olds are a freaking mystery, it is so hard to know what they want when they can't tell you - that is the hardest thing for me about this age.  As far as decoding them, I'm thinking maybe a Ouija board???

ETA: Just really looked at your ticker vs. mine and it looks my boys are not around the same age as your kids, it looks like they actually are the exact same age.  Were they born on March 26th?

March 27th!

And it is comforting to know I'm not the only one dealing with this!  I hope this stage goes FAST!

Dec31stBride

DD was always the clingy one, but she had ramped up recently and now she's better than ever. I think the behavior is just a phase...sep anx, teething, or about to reach a milestone.