I am married with a 7 yr old boy and 3 yr old girl.I've no idea what to do about my 3 yr old daughter she literally follows me around the house all day! She watches me shower and goin to toilet and if I do get her out she will sit outside the door and wait for me! I have started her at 3 yr old kinder to which she cries her eyes out when I drop her off and even to the point of throwing up. When I pick her up her eyes are swollen and red from crying and her teachers tell me she doesn't play or interact with any kids she will either hang off the teacher or sit at the window waiting to see me pick her up.she has been there for 2 months now and nothing has improved it's exactly the same at home and kinder. It just breaks my heart to see her so reliant on me to the point she won't interact with other kids please help any advice will be greatly appreciated!
4 Replies
Chin up, this sounds like it goes beyond the usual just a bit clingy phase that some kids go through. I think it is always worth ruling out a bunch of stuff with a paediatrician when these sorts of things are going on. Doesn't mean there is anything wrong, but they might be able to refer you to a child psychologist (child psychologists are pretty awesome IMO) who can help you come up with a consistent approach that will work for you both. What are her play skills like? The following to the toilet and shower most parents can relate too in some way but this sounds beyond that. Hope you find some answers and support that helps.
I do agree you need to rule out other things. Make sure there's nothing going on in her life that is upsetting her, or check for things like autism (but doubt that's it). However I think give it time, I work in child care and for some children it does take longer to adjust more so for only children or the youngest in the family. Try not to baby her too much and try talking to her like a big girl. It's important that she gets through this now rather than when she's 5 and is starting school as that is a much harder process. Try talking more with your centre about how to get her involved a bit more. With kids that struggle we let them print out photos to put around the centre, bring in toys from home and try and do activities we know that child likes!
How many days does she go to 3 yr kindy?? My son has been going this ur aswell and in his class is a child that was only going once a week but was very clingy the centre suggested to increase to two days she now happily goes with no tears. Also what happens if dad watches her and u go out does she have the same reaction ?? Perhaps if she's not as bad then try small outings without her and increase in time also try different careers
I agree with the others and get her in to see a pead. I know that sounds extreme and please don't think anyone is thinking OMG there is something wrong with this child. I promise you we are not.
I had a very clingy child when he was little and in all honesty he didn't become better until he started primary school at 5. He was under the care of a doctor just simply to make sure there wasnt anything else going on. There wasnt he was simply worried I would leave him.
Chin up Mummy Im sure your daughter will just grow out of it but seeing a doctor might be a good way to get some facts for you on this behaviour too and some techniques to deal with it.
Good Luck xx