We have an interesting turn of events over here...

and I'm not sure how I feel about it. Ava has always been super independent. From the moment she was born, she was assertive and I could tell she wouldn't be happy until she could run free on her own Anyway, now that I'm home for the summer, my really independent girly has become my super-attached extra limb. It's strange because she's so not herself. I don't know if it's the age or the move we made, or what. She has NEVER been like this. If I'm in the room, she's in my lap, hugging me, kissing me, doing awwwww to me, etc. Which is great, but now, if I leave the room to use the bathroom or if i'm on the other side of the room making dinner, she's whining and crying and hitting whoever else is trying to comfort her or play with her. And I don't know what to do. Do I ignore it, do I tell her no when she's getting mean with other people? It's just totally bizarre because she's never been this way. The good thing is that she's not doing it if i'm not in the room. If I go out, she could care less, if I'm still sleeping and JT is up with her, she doesn't care. It's just when I'm with her, so I'm wondering what I'm doing to elicit thsi behavior from her Ugh, so complicated sometimes.

Re: We have an interesting turn of events over here...

I think thats age related, Noah is the same way over the weekends when we are home together. When we are home in the day relaxing, he just wants to sit on my knee. If I move slightly, he stands up and readjusts his sitting to be in the same place.

Re: We have an interesting turn of events over here...

DEFINITELY a phase - it's part of their development. Alex goes in and out of this stage frequently, and picks favorites every other week. Two weeks ago she was all about Daddy, screaming bloody murder if he even left the room. Lately, she's all mommy - yesterday was the worse - after spending the whole day with me, when DH came over to give her a hug, she said NO, and nestled into me

For now, I revel in it when it's a "mommy" week, and I don't try to discipline her or redirect her in anyway because eventually she'll come out of in on her own. If, however, she hits someone else who is trying to comfort her, that's when I would intervene.

In the meantime, what would help is getting out and spending time with other toddlers and their parents - maybe sign up for some classes? Playdates? Library? The YMCA has great, cheap programs for kids

Re: We have an interesting turn of events over here...

I agree. It's a stage for the most part.

I also think she did just move so a lot has changed for her. She may want you more now because you're a constant in her life.

I wouldn't worry about it too much.

Re: We have an interesting turn of events over here...

Thanks, ladies. We're currently searching for a play group, so we shall see if that works. And don't get me wrong, I'm loving her being into snuggling with me, it's the hitting that I am upset about. I would never discipline her for wanting to be near me. I've just been telling her sternly, NO HITTING. And walking away. She usually follows me and hugs my leg or whomever told her no hitting. We'll continue on this path for now, I guess. Thanks, again

Re: We have an interesting turn of events over here...

I hope its a stage that passes quickly because if my DD doesn't stop screaming her head off unless she's being held, I am shipping her off to the bad girls home!