Clinginess

[jd]

My twins will be 8 months next week, and I'm really hoping some of you BTDT moms will give me some hope here. My son isn't interested in letting us do anything except play with/entertain him every single waking minute. He's perfectly happy if we do that, but the moment we put him down, the tears start. The good news is that he just seems to want company, so his sister suffices. I'm lucky that I can leave them to play in the crib together for really long stretches, but she's obviously sometimes asleep when he's awake and, you know, I'd rather not treat his sister as a parenting tool . He's generally a little clingier than she is, but nothing this bad. Have you guys experienced this with your multiples? If so, when and how long did it last? I'm crossing my fingers that he's going to grow out of this soon . 

[mc13]

Omg. This was me just a few weeks ago except that no one else was enough except for me. I think I gained some serious biceps over those few weeks. My girls are 8 months, 1 week and it just got better this week. They can now crawl and get to a seated position themselves. That seems to have been the game changer. Now they happily play on the floor for really long periods of time.

[jd]

mc13, you have NO IDEA how much that helps. I just noticed in your check-in that your little ones are close in age to mine and I was wondering if you experienced this. He seems like he's exactly where your girls must have been a few weeks ago, so I hope, hope, hope he comes through this as quickly as yours did. It sucks to feel impatient, but dear god, STOP CRYING so I can do the 10,000 other things that you require of me!

[mc13]

May 5, 2017 12:46:19 GMT -5 jd said:

mc13, you have NO IDEA how much that helps. I just noticed in your check-in that your little ones are close in age to mine and I was wondering if you experienced this. He seems like he's exactly where your girls must have been a few weeks ago, so I hope, hope, hope he comes through this as quickly as yours did. It sucks to feel impatient, but dear god, STOP CRYING so I can do the 10,000 other things that you require of me!

I know the feeling! This was happening when we were in the middle of moving into a new house and having a million+1 things to do. It was sooo rough but now I can see the light at the end of the baby tunnel. I remember with DD1 that this is when it started to get fun and so much less stressful.

[bocaburger]

jd Mine are a month older than yours and we also just went through it. It is definitely better but not gone. I am also weaning which I think is exacerbating it - I find that they are much clingier when hungry. I do a lot of distraction with new toys. And sometimes they just have to cry for a few minutes so I can get a couple things done.

[richzep]

I've got a major stage 5 clinger. She's 21 months and has been like this since she was born. Only with me. I was flattered initially but it's gotten old.
I would say, if he hasn't always been like this, then it's probably a phase. Teething, growth spurt, etc.
If he's always been clingy, then what I do is talk to her while doing things so she feels included but not carry her so that I'm not cooking one handed or whatever. Or I'd find things to distract her. And sometimes I just let her cry. Sorry kid. This oil on the stove is splattering a bit. I can't have you near it.
Hope it passes soon. It's hard when they want to be attached to you.

[pbandj714]

My son is much clingier than my daughter and always has been. They're 10 months. He doesn't seem to be pleased enough to play with his sister, only I will do. He'll stand at the baby gate crying if I'm in the kitchen and he can see me. Or if I walk out of sight. It's not ALL the time, but more than 50% of the time. So yea, I'm sorry that I'm useless as far as advice. But I've got you with commiseration, girl!

[jd]

Thanks so much for the thoughts, ladies. I should just stfu because at least my kid plays with his sister so it's not just me he's demanding all. day. long. Having a clingy kid when you have multiples is tough! I keep reminding him that he has a twin that needs attention too, but he seems strangely indifferent to my words . Appreciate the wisdom and commiseration, guys!