There comes a time in every toddler’s life when they start to get clingy. For some toddlers, this will just last a couple of days. While other toddlers may go through this stage for weeks or even months. At first, it may seem cute, but after a while, it can be exhausting. Responding to a clingy toddler helps them feel safe and promotes a secure attachment.

If you have a clingy toddler on your hands, try these tips:

• Acknowledge feelings and fears “I see you don’t want to be far from me”. “You seem to need to be close to me right now, I’m here for you.”
• Never sneak out on your baby or toddler, this increases anxiety, fear and clinginess.
• Proactively filling their little love cup by spending focused time together playing.
• Encourage independent play, free from unnecssary interruptions.
• Don’t force them to join in before they’re ready instead try “you’re not ready to go play with other kids. That’s okay, you can join in when you’re ready.”
• Remember that clinginess is developmentally normal, this stage will pass.

Image source: Google.