The situation is familiar to many mothers: the child has learned to walk, finally got out of the arena, and now follows you everywhere, literally holding on to the skirt. Going to the store and visiting people turn into a serious test. Cooking, housework is also becoming more difficult. What’s there – mom can’t even calmly go to the bathroom! As soon as the baby loses sight of it – immediately fright, tears, heart-rending cries.
What is happening to him
For a one-year-old child, this is quite normal behavior.
It is enough for someone just to hear their mother’s voice from the next room, and someone keeps as close as possible – after all, there is such a large, unexplored, and therefore probably dangerous world around.
Is it for a long time?
If in a year almost all children try not to let their mother go far, then by the age of 3-4 this need disappears for the majority. As the child expands his knowledge of the world, he develops both self-confidence and a sense of security.
The distance from the mother, which the baby considers safe, gradually increases, his circle of interests grows. The more independent he becomes, the less often he grabs your hand in a panic.
How to react?
As calmly as possible. Although in some situations it can be difficult to maintain patience.
■ Going to the bathroom. Baby crying under the door while you take a shower? Arrange for him a separate “excursion” to the toilet and bathroom and explain why people retire there. When you close inside, keep talking to him. You can arrange a whole performance: let him knock loudly, portraying various fairy-tale characters, and you play along with him.
■ Shop visit. Explain that you need to go out for groceries. By the way, what would the kid want for dinner? While you’re away, they can set the table with dad/grandma. Take the kid to the clock and show them where the hands will be when you get back.
■ Talking on the phone. Play this situation with him, help him call one of his relatives. Buy him special “telephone” toys that you will give when you are busy talking.
What else matters?
Do not scold the child for wanting to be around, it is better to think of interesting activities for him.
Many children under 3 years old don’t really know how to play alone – give him tasks: you need to build something from cubes, put together a baby puzzle. Play games with him more often that will help increase his “safety zone”, such as hide and seek. First, hide where the baby can easily find you, and over time, start finding more and more secluded corners.
Be sure to expand the child’s social circle: go to a development group, walk on the playground. And he will make sure that it is interesting not only next to his mother.
Tatyana Gatun