Typically it's a “phase” of clinginess, which really just means they like to stick with the people they love and trust in environments that are familiar and comfortable. Separation anxiety is usually caused by a significant stressful or traumatic event in a child's life.
Why do children get clingy? A child can show clinginess due to a fear of being away from their parents (separation anxiety) or because of stranger anxiety, where the fear is more about being around people the child doesn't know.
Their curiosity is likely growing, and they might ask a lot of questions about the world around them. They may start to show more creativity in things like writing, designing, or performing arts. They might also start to develop hobbies or collect things.
There are many reasons kids seek attention: they're bored, tired, hungry, or in need of quality time with their parents. But the reasons your child acts this way aren't as important as learning how to respond when they do. Keep in mind that such attention-seeking behavior is normal.
Why Does My Toddler Follow Me Everywhere? So you find yourself saying… “Why does my toddler follow me everywhere?” And the truth is… it's because you are the centre of their world and they will still be feeling their safest when they are with you. Toddlers are very affectionate and love to be in close contact with you.
Clinginess is a natural reaction for children experiencing separation anxiety, or fear of being separated from a person they trust. Separation anxiety tends to be strongest from ages 9 to 18 months and usually improves by the time a child is 3. These stages correspond to phases of young child development.
Main key symptoms of ADHD in young children
Listening difficulties. Not following instructions. Making careless mistakes. Highly distractible.
How ADHD Affects Kids. ADHD causes kids to be more inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive than is normal for their age. ADHD makes it harder for kids to develop the skills that control attention, behavior, emotions, and activity. As a result, they often act in ways that are hard for parents manage.
While it may be frustrating to have children who appear to be self-centered, unrelenting, and impulsive, it can be comforting to learn that these traits are typical of the development of all children.
At age 10, you can expect your child to have more complex feelings and to have more control over emotions. However, they may also struggle with keeping them in check at times. You may see them becoming more skilled at handling conflict and negotiating solutions with friends.
Emotional/Social Changes
Start to form stronger, more complex friendships and peer relationships. It becomes more emotionally important to have friends, especially of the same sex. Experience more peer pressure. Become more aware of his or her body as puberty approaches.
Dr. Rooney advises keeping things in perspective. “Kids need just one or two good friends. You don't have to worry about them being the most popular kid in their class.”
Anxiety may present as fear or worry, but can also make children irritable and angry. Anxiety symptoms can also include trouble sleeping, as well as physical symptoms like fatigue, headaches, or stomachaches. Some anxious children keep their worries to themselves and, thus, the symptoms can be missed.
Symptoms of anxiety in children
not eating properly. quickly getting angry or irritable, and being out of control during outbursts. constantly worrying or having negative thoughts. feeling tense and fidgety, or using the toilet often.
Solution: Develop Clear Rules and Expectations around Attention-seeking behavior. It's always important to sit down when things are going well and to talk to your kids about things that need to be changed or addressed. Don't do it in a time of anger or frustration, or when you're trying to correct their behavior.
You can inherit genes that boost risk for ADHD from your mother, from your father or from both parents. In a recent Norwegian study, inherited risk was somewhat higher when a child's mother had ADHD compared to their father, but researchers weren't certain why that would be.
ADHD does not get worse with age if a person receives treatment for their symptoms after receiving a diagnosis. If a doctor diagnoses a person as an adult, their symptoms will begin to improve when they start their treatment plan, which could involve a combination of medication and therapy.
ADHD is not on the autism spectrum, but they have some of the same symptoms. And having one of these conditions increases the chances of having the other. Experts have changed the way they think about how autism and ADHD are related.
A lot of babies and toddlers go through a clingy stage. It mostly happens when they are between 10 and 18 months but it can start as early as six months old.
Encourage Them to Redirect Their Attention
Parents need to be aware of the source of their child's stress, so they can help them understand it and deal with it accordingly. When a child is overly clingy, they need to learn how to be more independent and redirect their attention away from their stressed-out feelings.
A lot of kids become clingy when they're in a new situation or interacting with people they don't know. This is perfectly normal and appropriate, but it's important for kids to gradually find their independence separately from their parents.