Clingy behaviour
At times your child will be clingy it helps to remember that you and you're partner are the most important people in your child's life. A fear of strangers and separation from you is completely natural it is known as separation anxiety.
Separation anxiety
This can be a very difficult time but is merely a developmental stage when your toddler gets upset when you leave them, even if it's only to leave the room. It often starts at around nine months and in some children it can go on well into the second year, or even longer.
Learning to handle separation is difficult for parents and children, but it does get gradually easier, there are many ways to deal with it, you could try the following:
Keep the separations short at first, when you need to leave your toddler, especially for the first few times, try to keep separations short and allow enough time for your child to get to know his carer first. Reassure your child that you will be back- even quite short partings, such as going to nursery for the morning, may be difficult. Always take time to talk to your child in advance about what's happening and reassure them you'll be coming back. Never just sneak away - even though goodbyes can be upsetting, it's less worrying for your child than if you just disappear. Be positive and upbeat and try not to string out your goodbye. Taking ages to leave or acting worried only passes on your anxiety to your child. Try to be patient - if your child clings to you even when you're simply going about your everyday business at home or at the shops, try to stay calm and carry on. It may not be easy to make lunch or talk to someone while your child's clamped on to you, but he'll feel more secure soon. Above all try to be patient your toddler will eventually feel ready to be more independent. Although it may be hard to believe when you are in the middle of it, many parents miss this behaviour once it's over. Try to trust the people that you leave your children with, calling every half an hour will just unsettle you and who ever has your child will feel that you don't trust them. If you don't trust them go with your instinct and don't leave your child with them you will not be able to relax.
