I’m at a loss here, my 18 monthold is like my tiny, adorable shadow. She will not leave my side. If I move, she moves. If I cook, she’s holding my leg. Bathroom? Forget it she’s banging on the door within seconds, wailing like I’ve vanished forever! I love her so much, but I’m getting so overwhelmed.How do I gently help her be more independent without making her feel like I’m pushing her away? Any tips on how to shower alone again without all the drama? 
Omg, mine does the same thing! Any luck with giving her a comfort object? I’m thinking of trying that next…no idea if it’ll work though.
I joke that I’m a full-time jungle gym. She climbs me if I sit down!
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I totally get this. My son was like that at 18 months, and honestly, it felt endless at the time. I tried giving him some alone time activities with toys or books, but he wasn’t having it. Has anyone had success with teaching them to entertain themselves?
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I just want to say you’re not alone. My little guy is the same, and I’ve been feeling so guilty for wanting just five minutes to myself. Some days, it’s sweet, but other days it’s just… too much, you know? You’re doing great even when it feels like you’re drowning in clinginess.
It’s definitely a phase, at least, that’s what I keep telling myself! My eldest was glued to me until almost 2.5 years, but it did get better. I started by giving her small missions like putting toys in a bin or helping me stir while cooking. Those moments gave her a sense of accomplishment and gave me tiny windows of space. It’ll take time, but they do start figuring out independence on their own. Hang in there!
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Haha, my kid tried to follow me into the shower once. He even started undressing! I was like, no buddy, this is mommy’s 5 minutes! I’ve started bringing his favorite toys into the bathroom to keep him occupied, and now he just sits on the bath mat chatting while I shower. Not ideal, but at least it’s progress?
Oh wow this was totally my life when my daughter was that age. It can feel so isolating, like you’re trapped even though you adore your little one. What helped us a bit was starting small like leaving the room and letting her know I was going to be right back and then actually coming back quickly. I slowly increased the time I was away. At first, there were still tears or she would start calling my name non stop but eventually she started to trust that I’d always come back.
It’s also okay to feel overwhelmed. Attachment at this age is super normal and it means she sees you as her safe space, which is beautiful but exhausting. Sending you strength!
I’ve been there too! I remember trying to sneak to the kitchen for a snack and hearing my toddler scream like I was leaving for a year long trip. Once I hid behind a door just to eat a chocolate bar in peace.
Honestly, what worked for us was introducing a lovey, something soft she could cuddle with when I wasn’t right there. It didn’t solve everything but it gave her some comfort and me a tiny bit of space. Hang in there! It gets easier or at least that’s what I keep telling myself haha.