AboutEvelyn Petersen Expertise I give parents advice that is candid, positive and practical. I give them ideas that work and that they can use immediately, not study. My advice is based on expertise and experience in the area of early childhood education that spans 40 years of work as a professional and as a parent and grandparent. See askevelyn.com
Experience
Past/Present clients Hundreds of parents and teachers in the US and other countries
Question My 18 month old grandson has an issue that I am concerned about. I babysit for him while his mother is at work. I also want to mention that he and his mother live with us. He is an absolute doll when I or anyone else has him, however, his behavior changes when his mother comes home. He becomes very clingy, not just for a short period, but for the rest of the night. He won't let anyone else have anything to do with him. Periodically he will go through a period where he will cry until she holds him constantly. He won't let her eat dinner in peace, and if anyone tries to talk to him he cries even harder for his mother. When my other daughters come to visit and try to talk to his mom he starts acting up. It is almost like he wants her all to himself and wants her undivided attention. She has tried ignoring this behavior, but so far it has not helped. Is there anything that she can do to try to get him out of this?
Answer Dear Denise,
Just hang in there and keep trying. This is a normal stage at about 18 months called separation anxiety. You may be able to google it online to find even more information. Try the web site www.iamyourchild.com as well. This stage will not last much longer. Be patient. Evelyn
