ONLY MUMMY WILL DO

If you follow me over on Instagram, you will know from my stories Maddie has been exceptionally clingy right now. To the point of refusing to sleep unless she is snuggled up in bed with me (usually in my armpit haha), constantly asking to be picked up and just basically wanting to be held 24/7, making day-to-day jobs near impossible. Safe to say the housework has had to take a backseat right now!
 
Maddie has never really been a clingy child at all, she’s always been very independent. The only times she is quite clingy is if she’s been teething or unwell, but never to the point of wanting to co-sleep with me! That’s something we’ve never done before! So I’ve been left these past few weeks feeling a bit baffled as to why she won’t let go of me..? I mean I’m incredibly flattered, but confused! I think, having spoken to you guys on Instagram, that a lot of toddlers seem to go through a sort of separation anxiety stage at 18/19 months – glad to know it’s not just me!
 
The lack of sleep has been difficult, when sleep wasn’t one of our greatest areas of expertise to begin with. I am starting to find the typical day jobs overwhelming and feeling irritated that I can never get everything done! It’s hard enough trying to do everything yourself as a single mum anyway, let alone when you’re tired and have a toddler attached to your leg or hip. I’ve also found I feel guilty leaving her, knowing how much she wants and craves my attention right now. I’m trying to crack the balance of tending to her and this separation phase, but also taking some space for me so I don’t loose the plot!
 
Don't get me wrong though, the endless cuddles are bliss. Knowing my little girl just wants her mummy is unbelievably fulfilling. Maddie even napped on me on the sofa the other day, which she hasn’t done in about a year! So I’m just trying to look past the tiredness, the ever growing pile of washing and general mess, and enjoy these little moments when all she wants is her mummy as I know they won't last forever. Before I know it she’ll be a teenager and might resent mummy cuddles because it’s deemed “uncool” or “embarrassing”!
 
Not sure how long this episode of separation anxiety will last, hopefully not too much longer as I’m spending so much on coffee to compensate for the lack of sleep haha! 
 
Did your LO go through this clingy stage at this age? How long did it last for? As always I’d love to hear from you, we’re all in this learning together!
 
Lots of love, Bethany x