blondeviolin Posted January 29, 2015 Share Posted January 29, 2015 All of my kids have been needy, clingy, and dependent on me at certain stages of life, especially the younger years. And all of the kids get quite a lot of Mom Attention in the under-two stage. And they all gradually wean themselves away from needing it 24/7 and sucking me dry of energy and substance. And then there's Lorenzo. At 21 months, he still cannot be in a room without checking to see if I'm still there every three or four minutes. He can't play with a toy and I take a shower. He runs around the house screaming and crying if he can't see me. He must be with me, touching me, pulling at my arm, turning my face, etc. Most nights he sleeps okay, but lately he is teething his molars so I'm not getting any restful sleep, even though he's sleeping (in my bed, with his hands in my hair, his feet on my arms, and his shoulders on mine). He is so high anxiety and needy and yet has all of the energy and mischief of a toddler (drawing on things, chasing me, putting the cat food in the cat water, etc). And he is SUCKING ME DRY. I have had four other kids that weren't THIS exhausting at this age. If I could either (a) sleep more than two hours at a time, (b) sit for three minutes and read a book to someone else without him pushing his way in, or © take a massive dose of Alone Time I'd feel a whole lot better! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anne in CA Posted January 29, 2015 Share Posted January 29, 2015 That does sound hard. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trulycrabby Posted January 29, 2015 Share Posted January 29, 2015 It does get better as they get older. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted January 29, 2015 Share Posted January 29, 2015 I had one like that. It's hard. They do grow out of it. Mostly. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gentlemommy Posted January 29, 2015 Share Posted January 29, 2015 I have one like that. She's four and a half, and I'm juuuuust now seeing a lot of changes in her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocassie Posted January 29, 2015 Share Posted January 29, 2015 BTDT. Much sympathy. It's a hard phase that isn't always short. If nothing else, I hope you get some good sleep soon. Sleep deprivation really wrecks havoc on everything else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted January 29, 2015 Share Posted January 29, 2015 I had two like that. It gets better. Way better. But in the meanwhile...:( Have you any help at all? A friend's teen hser who wants to babysit a bit? Leave them with thrilling things like bubbles and shaving cream play? Maybe put him in the stroller for a walk? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peaceful Isle Posted January 29, 2015 Share Posted January 29, 2015 My first born was like that. Thus, the reason I cried when I found out I was pregnant again with my second. Fast forward ten years, she is the most wonderful, dependable girl ever. She is also very independent. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Word Nerd Posted January 29, 2015 Share Posted January 29, 2015 That sounds really hard—especially when you're running on so little sleep. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foxbridgeacademy Posted January 29, 2015 Share Posted January 29, 2015 My youngest was like that. I couldn't leave her with anyone even DH. She'd scream and refuse to take a bottle (with just pumped milk). She followed me everywhere. She only went to sleep at night if I laid down with her and let her "play" with my hair. She started getting better around 3/4 yrs old and was significantly better by 8 yrs old. Now at 11 she rarely comes out of her room and is very independent. I sometimes miss my clingy baby. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corraleno Posted January 29, 2015 Share Posted January 29, 2015 :grouphug: My DS was like that (and for much longer than 21 months, sigh). It really does feel like having a 30lb parasite — even if you love the parasite very much! FWIW, my velcro boy is now an awesome teen who is helpful, cooperative, and affectionate, so it does eventually get better! ETA: Have you tried anything like a compression vest, weighted vest, or weighted blanket? I wish I'd known about those when DS was little, I think they would have helped a lot with the anxiety. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2att Posted January 29, 2015 Share Posted January 29, 2015 I had two like that. Which is why I stopped at three. Not really, but my cup was definitely full at three. My youngest is now 11 and still doesn't like to be left at home with his older brother when I leave. He's afraid something will happen and I will never come back. But it is better than when he was seven and I had to stand at a specific spot during baseball practice so that he could see me at all times. Sorry, this probably isn't helping. Some kids are just wired to be anxious, I guess. Both of mine have a certain degree of sensory-sensitivity, and I think that plays into it. With his need to be constantly touching/always into something, you might have a sensory seeker. Might be worth a little reading/home play therapy about the topic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cafdog Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 I had a clinger, too. I hear you, sister. I never thought I'd get that kid disattached from my leg, until the first day of 3 year old preschool. She waved "bye bye" and never looked back! He'll get there. Hugs! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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