I have 3 little boys. Since my youngest (now 2.5) was born, all he has done is cry. He had really bad reflux since day one, but it took me 8wks of constant dr appointments to get him diagnosed then another 8wks to find a treatment and medication that worked in him. This meant months on end of constant crying n irritability from bub, n weeks on end of 2hrs sleep a day, anxiety n depression for myself. He had to be constantly held n soothed.
Since then he has always been an extremely clingy and Sooky boy. It is not unusual for him to cry and cling to my leg and anytime of day and if he doesn't get cuddles or picked up he now chucks a tantrum n screams and carries on.
My husband has had some time off between jobs for the last couple of weeks and has been spending a lot of time at home with the boys while I have been working. He has said that he doesn't have any issues with our youngest, he never cries or carries on, doesn't want to be picked up and doesn't chuck any tantrums. Hubby had an appointment today, n from the moment he left till when I put him to bed, Mr 2.5 cried n carried on constantly for me! He hasn't done it for the last week but only seems to do it for me! I don't know what to do! Hubby will be away for 3 days a week with the new job so it will just be me and the kids, and I know I won't be able to handle all the crying without any back up. Has anyone had the same problem? How did you deal with it and stop the constant crying?
2 Replies
Ok this is a sucky situation but it's become a habit and a nasty cycle your trapped in. Unfortunately your 2.5 year thinks he gets attention from mummy by crying and carrying on. And he knows that you will give in eventually. You can try and tough it out yourself or you can get done support from a child psychologist who can help you work through the situation. It's going to be hard going and your boy can learn a new way of communicating with you but I think having that support from a professional will help be more consistent and show you how to manage in the moment. Good luck
I could have written this post myself. My little man had reflux also as a bub and had medication. It is hard work, with the crying and clinginess that is for sure. I chose to go down the route of "Positive Parenting". My little man is very sensitive and has always experienced some social anxiety (feels safest with me always). He is now four and such a delight. We still work on the anxiety and coping and it is still hard work and incredibly frustrating at times. Have you considered that your son maybe having a hard time rather than giving you a hard time? Perhaps he has unmet needs (maybe he needs more cuddles and reassurance than your other children). I don't believe that a newborn is manipulative, so if this has occurred since birth then perhaps it is not manipulative now. Have a look at "Positive Parenting Toddlers and Beyond" and "Parenting without Punishment" on facebook for some other ideas. Coming on hard with him, without trying to identify what the real issue is, may end up being a more difficult path to take. Good luck with your little guy.