Is your child being clingy? Are you finding it difficult to use the bathroom without your child barging in or crying at the door? Having difficulty leaving them at nursery or with your nanny while you leave for work?
Clinginess is actually a normal phase of development that most children go through at one time or another during their development and whilst it can be difficult for both children and parents to go through, we’ve put together our top tips to help you manage.
Clinginess is most common in babies but can also last until children are around 4 years old. This can also turn into separation anxiety during times of change such as when you go back to work.
Helping to manage clinginess starts at birth. Talking to your infant about the things you’re doing together and playing games such as hide and seek can help to foster a sense of independence whilst reassuring your child that you will return.
Regular daily routines can also help your child to manage change such as going to nursery. Talk about what your child can expect to happen throughout the day and reassure them that you will be seeing them at a certain time/after work etc.
When saying goodbye to your clingy child here are a few things to remember:
- Be positive – if your child sees your own worries or anxiety about leaving, they’re sure to return them. Just remember to smile and wave.
- Keep it short – shorter goodbyes might seem difficult, to begin with, but they can make all the difference in the long run. If your child knows that getting upset means you’ll stay longer, they’ll continue to do it.
- Practice makes perfect – before it comes time to leave your child for long periods, it can help to practice with shorter lengths of time. Leaving your child for a few minutes and gradually building up to more time can make the transition much easier.
Remember that if your child is still struggling to cope with clinginess, seek further advice to help prevent it from turning into a more serious issue.