22 month old son wont let people hold him

Question

My 22 month old little boy will not let anyone hold him! At all if I am there only I am allowed to hold him or he freaks out. And these can even be people that he knows like grandma, or friends we see weekly. He acts like he has no idea who they are. His dad and I are having major marrige problems. His dad just sits all day and plays video games. He don't pay attention to anything but that. I noticed something the last few weeks when i am in the living room my baby thinks he HAS to be in my lap or crawling all over me. He wont leave my side but if I am in the room he is ok. What could this mean? Anyhow thanks for the help.

Answer 1

firstly dont blame yourself, that age is so difficult at the best of times.  Im still going through it and my son is now over 3.  He is stuck to me when we go anywhere and has for the last year.  Boys LOVE their moms.

Secondly maybe but only maybe hes picking up on the tension in your house and is feeling a little insecure.  Personally I wouldnt make him go to anyone.  If a few years he will be so busy with his friends and video games that youll be lucky if you get a kiss from him as I see now from my 7 year old.  Enjoy it and appreciate it. Youre obviously a very loving mom...you can never cuddle a child too much!

good luck with everything!!

Answer 2

It means the child is starving for attention.  His father isn't giving him any so he want's your's completely.  He feels the only parent he has is his mother and he is afraid you're going to desert him like his father has.  

Answer 3

Night owl is my long lost twin sister.

Children know when mom and dad are in a funk.

Your son needs lots of closeness because it makes him feel secure.

I would not force him to go to others but he does need the continued exposure.  

Answer 4

He is probably just feeling a little insecure. Many kids do at that age, especially if there are issues in the house. If he doesn't get out much and hasn't had a lot of contact with others he may just need a little socializing. Worst case scenario he could have autism but he probably wouldn't even have interest in you if that were the case.