logo
BabySparks
logo
  • What is BabySparks?
  • The Science
  • Online Classes
  • Learning Center
  • My BabySparks
  • Login
  • Join Us

    • Contact Us

    • Logout
  • My Profile
    • Contact Us
    • Logout
  • es
  • Prev
    Kicking milestones 0
    The Evolution of Kicking
    23 January 2020
    Next
    Teaching toddlers cooperation 0
    Teaching Your Child Cooperation
    24 January 2020
    Parenting
    What to Do When Your Toddler Clings
    23 January, 2020 by BabySparks in Parenting
    Toddler clinginess

    We always want our children to depend on us for comfort and security. However, when your little one becomes a permanent fixture on your leg or hip, it’s okay to wish for a little more independence and a little less clinging. This kind of behavior is closely tied to a child’s temperament. When you’re at a playground, you’ll notice some toddlers are fearless social butterflies, while others would prefer to hold onto a parent like a life preserver. Of course, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with children who are more introverted and slow-to-warm-up. One temperament is not preferable or more advanced than the other. Kids are delightfully unique and each temperament type will shine in various situations.

    Highlights: 

    • Whether a child clings to a parent or not heavily depends on their temperament. Slow-to-warm-up toddlers may need a little help in becoming more independent and a little less clingy. 
    • Here are a few strategies that can help:
      • Give them opportunities to show autonomy and become more confident. 
      • Praise them when they show signs of independence.
      • Have concrete routines to provide a sense of control. 
      • Try one-on-one playdates. 
      • Encourage parallel play, but don’t force it. 
      • Instead of staying on the sidelines, play with them in social settings to help them feel more comfortable. 
      • Try role-playing games to help prepare them for unfamiliar situations. Check out the BabySparks program for activities like this!

    That said, what do you do when your toddler gets a little too clingy? Here are a few strategies that can help.

    Strategies to Help Curb Your Toddler’s Clinging

    Give her opportunities to show autonomy. A boost in self-confidence can do wonders for a toddler who tends to cling. At home, offer her a chance to build confidence by showing that she can do things on her own (like pick up her toys, choose an outfit, or help with chores). Soon you may see her start to carry that confidence into other environments, resulting in less need to cling.

    Praise her when she shows signs of independence. Remember to be praise her efforts when she completes a task on her own. Sometimes toddlers need to be reminded that it’s a big deal when they put on their socks, pick up their rooms, or remember to wash their hands all by themselves. “Wow, look at this clean room! You picked up all your toys without any help! Thank you!” You want to send the message that she doesn’t necessarily need supervision for every activity and she’s capable of doing certain things on her own.

    Have concrete routines. Making her life more predictable can give her a stronger sense of control. Fear of the unknown can definitely increase clingy behavior, so it’s important to stick to routines and remind her of what’s happening next. Some parents will utilize calendars with visual aids (images to represent mealtimes, nap times, and play times) to help their toddlers anticipate the next activity. “We’re going to have a snack first, then we’re going to pick up groceries, then we’re going to the playground to see your friends.”

    Try one-on-one playdates. Remember that big groups can appear chaotic and confusing for her when she’s trying to make sense of her environment. A playdate with one other toddler can be more welcoming for an introverted child.

    Encourage parallel play, but don’t force it. Parallel play is age-appropriate for toddlers, and involves children playing alongside each other, but not necessarily with each other. While she may not be “socializing” in a conventional way, she’s still creating space between her and you, and exploring her environment on her own. However, it’s important to let parallel play happen organically. Even forcing her to play next to a friend may feel daunting.

    Play with her. Instead of sitting on the sidelines while she clings, join in yourself. You’re her source of comfort, so if you’re playing too, she may feel comfortable slowly letting go. Once you notice that she’s starting to enjoy herself, you can gradually pull back and give her space.

    If she’s starting a childcare program, prepare her. Work with your chosen childcare program to ease her into being away from you. Many programs offer a “phase-in” approach, which allows children to gradually get used to their new environment with your help. You can also prepare her for being away from you through role-play games (our BabySparks program has fun ideas for this).

    Remember that in general, there’s nothing wrong with a little clinging. It’s a sign that your child trusts you and feels secure by your side. She needs this safe place so she can observe and assess the situation, which isn’t a bad thing. With a little support, patience, and some confidence-boosting exercises, you can start seeing more independence and less clinging!

    0 Comments
    • parenting
    0 Like!
    Share
    BabySparks

    Recent comments

      Tags

      baby child cognitive feeding fine motor gross motor health language language skills milestones parenting sensory social-emotional speech toddler
      ABOUT US
      THE TEAM
      CHILDCARE PROVIDERS
      TERMS OF SERVICE AND PRIVACY POLICY
      support@babysparks.com
      Copyright © 2021 BabySparks LLC. All rights reserved
      logo
      X
      GET BABYSPARKS
      Step 2 of 2
      ACTIVITY PACKAGE:
      (All Prices in USD)

      Form of Payment

      Monthly: $1.25 per month/per child
      Annually: $12.00 per year/per child (20% discount)

      Form of Payment

      Monthly: $2.25 per month/per child
      Annually: $21.50 per year/per child (20% discount)

      Form of Payment

      Monthly: $5.00 per month/per child
      Annually: $45.00 per year/per child (25% discount)

      Number of children:

      x per child

      Total Amount

      SELECT YOUR METHOD OF PAYMENT
      * Required field
      Buy now BS

      BabySparks Premium Gives You…

      Access to 1,300+ development activities & milestones

      An expert-created program to support the development of children under your care

      Tools to increase family engagement, invite each family to use the program at home

      Ability to track each child's progress in real-time (and share it with his/her family)

      Add unlimited children, caregivers and locations to your account

      Manage and track progress across your organization through our desktop dashboard

      Cancel your subscription at any time

      By clicking on the button below, you agree to our Terms of Service & privacy policy.
      X
      EDIT YOUR ACCOUNT
      Your account
      Change your password
      X
      EDIT YOUR METHOD OF PAYMENT
      Update payment method
      * Required field
      Buy now BS
      By clicking on the button below, you agree to our Terms of Service & privacy policy.
      X
      UPDATE YOUR PACKAGE
      Your Activity Package
      (All Prices in USD)

      1 Month

      $ 3 99

      per month

      1 Year

      $ 23 99

      per year

      Update your package at any time
      (All Prices in USD)
      Pay as you go

      1 Month

      $ 3 99

      per month

      50% Discount

      1 Year

      $ 23 99

      per year

      60% Discount

      Lifetime

      $ 39 99

      one time

      How does it work?

      You can change your activity package at any time.

      The change will take place at the end of your current subscription period.

      You will only be charged the new rate once the change takes place.

      Cancel Activity Package
      shapeCheck

      shapeCheck

      X
      LOGIN BABYSPARKS

      Forgot your password?

      X
      PASSWORD RESET
      X
      RESET PASSWORD
      X
      GET BABYSPARKS
      Step 1 of 2
      Create Your Account

      Already Have an Account? Login

      X
      GET BABYSPARKS
      Step 1 of 2
      Create Your Account

      Already Have an Account? Login

      X
      GET BABYSPARKS
      Step 2 of 2
      Logged in as: (Not me)
      Select Your Activity Package
      (All Prices in USD)
      Pay as you go

      1 Month

      $ 3 99

      per month

      YOUR OFFER

      $ 2 99

      50% Discount

      1 Year

      $ 1 99

      per month

      Paid Annually: $23.99
      YOUR OFFER

      $ 2 99

      60% Discount

      Lifetime

      $ 39 99

      one time

      YOUR OFFER

      $ 2 99

      BabySparks Premium Gives You…

      Access to 1,300+ development activities & milestones

      An expert-created program to support your child’s development

      Weekly development reports summarize progress

      Browse activities for any situation

      Expert-written articles about development

      Sync up to 5 devices (add family and caregivers)

      Add up to 5 babies to your account

      Cancel your susbcription at any time

      * Required field
      Buy now BS
      By clicking on the button below, you agree to our Terms of Service & privacy policy.