clinginess, whinging, and other joyful subjects

[spritzer]

Now, I'm posting this in parenting chat rather than B&T as I hope that people with older children will see it and join in as well.

Xander is 18 months now and is fully into the following activities:

Constantly wanting to be picked up and then put down
Demanding
Wilful - always wants his way over things
Pulling my hair - painfully
Hitting and pinching, but not out of anger - more from excitement or love :roll:
Sort of knows when he's being naughty but pushing the boundaries anyway
A dedicated user of 'NO' but not a fan when it's directed at him
Getting my hand and leading me to what he wants (sweet, but probably not ideal)
The attention span of a flea :laff:

Now, I fully accept that this is all part of the joy of toddlerhood but I was curious to know how long I can expect the clinginess and violence towards mummy to last :laff: I dream of a time when I can wear necklaces again or not have my clothes pulled off me....

So, please share your pain or shine a light of hope :ellie:

[Mad Madam Mim]

:wave: 'Lo Spritzer

Let me see now

Constantly wanting to be picked up and then put down
Check
Demanding
Check
Wilful - always wants his way over things
Check - and some
Pulling my hair - painfully
Check
Hitting and pinching, but not out of anger - more from excitement or love
Check but out of anger as well as love
Sort of knows when he's being naughty but pushing the boundaries anyway
check
A dedicated user of 'NO' but not a fan when it's directed at him
He doesn't say no yet but it can only be a matter of time
Getting my hand and leading me to what he wants (sweet, but probably not ideal)
No becasue he'd rather I carried him there and if walking will ONLY hold hands when he needs to get over a step or bump
The attention span of a flea
Check

I had him in the Science Centre at the weekend and boy was I one harrassed mother. He didn't want to be in his buggy - think going rigid and smackin me away, he didn't want to walk, he wanted me to carry him (he is over 26lbs and I just can't carry him all the way round).

He was tired and off colour but even so he was going mad and this was our first public tantrum (how bad?? Everyone stares at you and even if they are smiling sympathtically at you, you still feel like THE WORST MOTHER IN THE WORL EVER).

I don't know how long this goes on for - I wish it were just a month or two as we have just started. Alas I think it might be until they are about 3 or worse it may never stop (teenage strops!! :shock: :shock: ). Must be partly the frustration of not being able to communicate as well as asserting his own personality. It's hard berluddy work I know that much.

[spritzer]

:wave: 'Lo Spritzer

I don't know how long this goes on for - I wish it were just a month or two as we have just started. Alas I think it might be until they are about 3 or worse it may never stop (teenage strops!! :shock: :shock: ). Must be partly the frustration of not being able to communicate as well as asserting his own personality. It's hard berluddy work I know that much.

3 :shock: 3 you say - gah

Actually, I think you may be about right but I was hoping for more like 6 months tops with the hair pulling, pinching and hitting malarky. My book says 18 months is the peak of clinginess and it is a lot better by 2 but I want EVIDENCE not just wishful thinking :laff:

[ChelseaHarvey]

Hi

Alfie is doing all them things and is alost 21 months he has been doing it since about 18 months and were still going strong

Drives me mad

[spritzer]

The light at the end of the tunnel is apparently around 2. I checked at nursery yesterday and they said that in the 2+ room they are much more independent and most of this delightful stuff is behind them. I am sure they still have tantrums and what have you but the clinginess wears off.

You're nearly there Gemma - hang on in there :clap:

[ChelseaHarvey]

You're nearly there Gemma - hang on in there :clap:

4ish months still feels a lifetime away to be still having to deal with this :laff: :doh:

[Mad Madam Mim]

The light at the end of the tunnel is apparently around 2. I checked at nursery yesterday and they said that in the 2+ room they are much more independent and most of this delightful stuff is behind them. I am sure they still have tantrums and what have you but the clinginess wears off.

You're nearly there Gemma - hang on in there :clap:

and lo Spritzer said let there be light and there was light

(good news!!)

[spritzer]

The light at the end of the tunnel is apparently around 2. I checked at nursery yesterday and they said that in the 2+ room they are much more independent and most of this delightful stuff is behind them. I am sure they still have tantrums and what have you but the clinginess wears off.

You're nearly there Gemma - hang on in there :clap:

and lo Spritzer said let there be light and there was light

(good news!!)

:laff: :laff: :laff: Just desperately praying it's true :ellie: