How to Cope With a Clingy Preschooler

Every parent loves a good cuddle but personal space is important too. When your wee one won't allow you an inch, ask yourself why she is feeling so dependent. Do your best to boost self-confidence in your cutie, which as Dr. Sears notes on AskDrSears.com, will help him to venture out on his own -- beyond your leg. Remind yourself that your toddler's emotional needs change as he grows, and this too shall pass.

Instructions

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      Consider the source. Is your kiddo super clingy because she is starting school? As KidsHealth.org points out, a tot's first school experience can lead to separation anxiety. "Mommy, don't go!" Or, have you recently added a new baby to the family? Kids sometimes feel resentment, jealousy or anger toward a new sibling, which can cause them to act out or regress. "Mom, carry me!"

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      Encourage alternate emotional expression. HealthyChildren.org recommends playing to your pewee's natural proclivity for pretending. This can be an easy means for a munchkin to show how he feels and give you a window into what your wee one is thinking. Perhaps kitty will say, "I don't want mommy to go to work."

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      Set limits. Let your little one know that following you into the bathroom is not okay. You will hold her while you watch a movie, but not while you are cooking dinner. She can sit on your lap for a story, but not while you are eating your breakfast. It's also important to set limits for your little one. According to KidsHealth.org, allowing your kiddo to have control over small decisions is okay. "Do you want waffles or pancakes?" But help your honey when it comes to major choices, like when to go to bed. After all, structure gives children a sense of security while encouraging her growing sense of independence.

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      Foster independence. As HealthyChildren.org notes, a preschooler's sense of independence is developing rapidly. Encourage him to do some things for himself, from brushing his teeth to washing himself in the bathtub to picking out his own clothes.

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      Keep it together. You may want to pull your hair out when your preschooler insists on being tethered to your leg, but don't let your anxiety show. As KidsHealth.org notes, kids pick up on a parent's emotions. Instead, take a deep breath and remember that losing it will not lead to your kiddo's behavior getting less irritating.

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