Clingy and whiny toddler

Question

my nearly 2 yrs old son constantly calls my name and looks for me around the house. and wants to be picked up. through out the day he is whining and crying for no reason, even if he wants adrink of water he will cry while asking for it. i started to put him in daycare for him to start to get some independence, but as soon as we try to go in the mornings he begs and cries to stay home. i also have a new 3 month old. want to know if his clinginess and cryng is due to the arrival of new baby, or is he just a bit spoiled and will putting him in daycare give him more stress and anxiety or will it be good for him?. thanks

Answer 1

Look at how he sees it- not only a new baby, but being dropped off too?

Try to be really understanding, I know it's hard, because you are overwhelmed, too probably.

When you are together, try to do something that's just you and him. It'll be amazing what a difference that makes. Have your husband or someone take the baby, even just 20-30 minutes, for special mommytime with your oldest. Read a book or color, just put all your attention on him.

Answer 2

It's just part of being a toddler.  It probably didn't help the situation to introduce a new sibling.  I just remind my toddler to use his words or to go to his room for privacy if he needs to cry/whine/tantrum.  They are clingy at that age and want to be with you so the worst punishment is sending them to their room to cool off.

Answer 3

Yes, it is due to the new baby. Even though you would never do this, but he thinks you love the new baby more, so he thinks if he acts like a baby by crying and doing all of that, you'll love him. But the thing toddlers don't get is, we'll a ALWAYS love them, no matter how many more children we have.

I suggest you spend more time with him. Perhaps on Saturdays you could leave the 3 month old with a sitter and take your 2 year old out and do something special with him? If not, hang out during naps. Play together and have fun! Also always tell him how much you love him.

I have 3 daughters, 1, 2 1/2 and 4. When I had my 1 year old, my 2 1/2 year old was just like your son. But soon I began to spend more  time with her and she eased up.

Also, have him help out with the new baby. He could hand you diapers or hand you bottles. Anything can help.

Good luck!

Answer 4

It probably does have to do with the baby. Think of it from his point of view. He's been the only one in your lives so far, and he is still so young himself. When my 3rd child was born, my son did not  like him at all. He was 2 yrs 3 mos. He started doing all kinds of things that he didn't normally do. He threw more tantrums, he started to hit. It didn't last very long. I know he's young, but try telling him that you can't understand him when he whines, so if he wants something, he has to ask nicely or he doesn't get it. As far as daycare goes, that's up to you. My daughter didn't like it, but if you think it's best then you should do it. Good luck.