Questions & answers | Toddler +

Expert answer

By TraceyGodridge

Many children go through a clingy stage, especially with one parent. This is common behaviour, and your son is likely to emerge with increased independence because he's having the reassurance he needs as he explores his environment. This stage can be very tough, and I suggest you enlist the support of your health visitor to help you cope and explore ways to make life better for the whole family. She may suggest keeping a record so you can see when your son is especially clingy and try to discover what's causing his anxiety. She can also offer advice and strategies to help change his behaviour. For example, when you leave the room, explain where you're going, what you'll be doing and that you will come back. Then leave promptly, returning to reassure your son if necessary. This will help calm his anxiety so he can let you out of his sight for lengthening periods of time. You can also help boost his confidence by setting aside a short time every day when he has your undivided attention. Regular special time with you, together with reassurance about where you are, should help improve his clinginess very quickly.