subject: How To Cope With A Clingy Child [print this page] What is clinginess? What is clinginess?
As the toddler reaches the age of about 3 there is less separation anxiety but the toddler often still feels discomfort when left by a parent and is often clingy. The toddler is less likely to make as much fuss when left by a parent as they did before, during the separation anxiety stage of his or her development, but it may still be difficult to separate from the toddler.
They do not like being left with a person that they do not know or are unfamiliar with. They may hold onto your clothing or hand and urge you not to leave them. They may follow you around and not be happy to sit alone. It can cause discomfort to the parents as they may feel restrained and not free to enjoy time away from their child. Their social life may become restricted and they are unable to have a life away from their toddler. A parent may also feel anxious that something may happen to their child when they are away.
How does a parent cope with a clingy toddler?
There are ways in which a parent can deal with a clingy toddler and it is not necessary to be restricted by this phase in a toddlers development stage. As a parent you can take steps to reduce your child's clinginess.
If you need to leave them with someone, such as a babysitter, allow them time to get to know them before you leave. Ideally, leave them with a person they are familiar with, as they will feel more secure and at ease. Give them time to get involved a fun activity with the person they are being left with, if they are enjoying themselves they are less likely to feel clingy. Explain calmly to them what is happening. That you are going out for a while and you will return soon. Give them a cuddle and tell them that you love them. Do not hang around after you have told them you are leaving but leave briskly.
If there are tears from your toddler, understand they will be over shortly. Try and repeat these steps often, especially during the daytime, when you leave them at nursery or a creche. Once they get used to the pattern it will be easier to leave them in the evening time.
I hope these tips are useful and they help you to cope with your toddlers clinginess.
