Clingy 2 Year Old

I second everyone's carrier suggestion-- and have him "help" with dinner. My two year old has two jobs--putting things in the garbage and getting things in and out of the fridge (he JUST learned to open the fridge and is EAGER to show off his new skill-- and if I have him do it when I'm there and paying attention I'm less likely to find the fridge door half open later!). As long as he's "helping" and BUSY he's happy and so far he never seems to notice that I might not actually USE what he gets me or that he's carried the cheese back and forth to the fridge 4 times...

In addition to the ideas in the other responses, the other thing I've done is carry my toddler in a moby wrap while I get a few things done around the house. With her in the wrap, she still gets held but my arms and hands are free. This wouldn't be safe to do while cooking, but if I keep her super close in a carrier while doing some things (i.e., put dishes away, make a sandwich, sit on the couch and fold laundry), then she seems to get her "fix" of cuddling and chooses to go do her own thing rather than be confined in the wrap. This is usually more of an issue in our house if I've been working long hours and haven't had as much quality time with her or if she's getting over being sick. But it seems to meet her needs in a way that helps me keep my sanity!

I wonder if this is just an age thing? I have a 2 1/2 year old little girl and she has just recently started acting very clingy as well. I agree that I think she is trying to get my attention because when we are playing she isn't so clingy, but once I focus on anything else she wants to be held, even if we've been playing for hours.

Invest in a backpack carrier and put him in that while you cook! You can find them cheap online (Craigslist) or get a really good one (Ergo) if you're thinking about having more kids! If that's not an option, let him watch a TV show while you cook (PBS kids will make you feel less guilty about that) or get some playdough or something new for him to do near you while you cook. Maybe he could "help" by standing on a stool at the counter and stirring random things together in a bowl. Good luck!

Unfortunatly i dont have a good answer for you, however i can be sympathetic. My second child (a girl) is the same exact way, therefore i think its the age/a phase. I find that i can occupie her by putting her in front of curious george or elmo for about 15 mintues but that is about all i get. I try to over ride my frustration by telling myself that before i know it she will be all grown up so appreciate it rather then get mad at her for it. It is hard when you work full time and have other children. Pick your battles. I try to be consistent in telling her no mommy is doing the dish's right now and if she wants to throw a fit i let her for a few minutes just so she doesnt think that she has me controlled. Being a mom is such an amazing challenging job, however i wouldnt trade it for the world. I hope hearing that someone else is in the same shoes as you has helped ease any stress and anxiety you may have.

Hi. I have a very clingy two and a half year old daughter who wants held all the time and I very pregnant with our second. She has always been clingy. I stay at home with her and it is an all day struggle. The things that have really helped me is projects. They get to do something with you, so they get the attention they need without you having to hold them all the time. With dinner I let my two year old help. I sit her down and give her little jobs to help like putting things in the measuring cup and pouring them into little bowls. It helps me accomplish what I need to get done without having to yell at her or hold her. I also try things like if she is following me around like "hey can you show me how to wiggle like a snake...or how does a kangaroo follow her mommy..." that way she is moving along but feels like you are paying attention to them. I think the clingy thing is just their way of getting you to pay attention and you just have to findnew ways to make them feel like they are getting the attention without needing to hold them. I try to give her jobs and distract her. This really is the only way I have found to work. She doesn't ever go off by herself and play and it is really hard when you need a break. I also found the less you give in to the "hold me" thing the more they stop asking. I just tell her " we can snuggle for a couple minutes but I can't hold you, you are too heavy and mommy isn't that strong" and if that doesn't work and she is still crying, I let her work it out..usually within a few minutes she calms down and I say well lets hold hands and go do something. It is hard the first few times of doing it and you feel really bad but after sticking to your guns and finding new ways of giving them the attention and love and snuggles that they need...they usually adjust. It isn't an instant fix but it has helped me.

obviously something is going on with him, and i will tell you this much; it will pass.
in the meantime, try to adjust your plans so that you can be spending a bit more time with him; let him somewhat be involved in cooking supper, or put him in his high chair in the kitchen and talk to him or whatever. maybe put on some music so you can dance while you cook.
as far as the rest of the night, just do your best to help him through this. its normal and common for kids to feel like this and act like this especially when you are gone all day or something. hes feeling a little bit lonely and unsteady and just needs a soft place to land. you will not regret putting other priorities aside for him; you might regret it if you dont. so just do your best to put him first for a while. read books, snuggle to a movie, do a special craft or coloring or a walk or something you both can do together to help him connect. the better you help him through this phase, the better he will feel for the next one. kids grow in a 2 steps forward, one step back way and the more sensitive you are to the one step back, the more successful the 2 steps forward are. :)

Hi I have been through this twice . I have 2 little girls and I'm pregnant with my 3rd child. I let her sit in kitchen and draw , I put a lot of blank sheets and give her crayons /pencils she loves to draw. Also I give electronic ABC book which not only gets her away from me but teaches her too . Children love doing something all the time , she pushes clothes inside the dryer one at a time , give the phone/remote to daddy , put potatoes in a big tub -oh she loves to do that all the time. Get big blocks its fun for them. Make sure after every little thing she does you praise her ,claps, hugs & kisses , this encourages her to do more of these stuff.
Hope this helps you.