HELP!!!! My 18 Month Old Is Running My Life!

I speak from experience...it won't last forever but it sure will feel like it. Both of my kids went through this phase around the same age as your son. To the point of their feet never hitting the ground the whole time we were at a party. I became the master of eating meals with one hand!! Both of my girls were especially nervous when we were in large groups of people and would freak out if I put them down. With my oldest I thought it was torture and she might be on my hip forever!!!! With my second I accepted my fate and realized that she was just afraid of being left with someone. The world was much bigger than she could grasp at that age and the only sure and predictable thing was me. My yougest is 2 1/2 now and is off and running without me at family parties. I know it's hard but hang in there and give it time, with maturtity will come greater independence.

It doesn't seem like it, but he will outgrow it. When my son was 3 he would hold on to the back of my shirt and follow me around the house...It did help to get him some new activities, puzzles, new crayons, playdough, etc. to distract him and eventually he stopped. At family gatherings I would let him bring a truck or a favorite toy and walk him around so he could show it off...it helped to "break the ice" and he began to feel more comfortable around family. LOL, he's 15 now and I almost wish he would want to be that close to me again. For my two year old now I have pictures on the fridge of all of the family members we see often so he can remember them and he isn't so nervous, because they are more familiar to him after seeing the pictures every day.It sound wierd, but enjoy it - soon enough you will be the one wanting more time with him :)

Boy do I feel for you! I am having a similar issue with my 27 month old. He does not talk:( So the shrieking ans blood curdling screaming I can relate to! I also do not take my son in public...like out to eat or what not b/c I am unable to calm him. At home, I find the best calming technique is to leave the room. I go into my room and close the door when he is projecting an unacceptable behavior. The more I would pay attention to it and try to help the worse he would be. So I just leave the room and close the door. Some may say he is controlling again...but for my son it works! Take a watch with you and watch your time. My son stops in about 1-2 minutes when he realizes that I will not come out. It seems like a lot longer so I enc. you to take a watch. Then when he stops I come out and praise him for calming. If he starts again, I go right back in and do it again. It is hard...but it is better than having him scream forever:) I hope this helps! Good luck!

Hello,
i pretty much agree with patty.. It is a phase.. Both my kids went through it.. My son, who is older, went through it for a longer period. But basically for the same reasons.. The world is a big scary place and they know mom will protect them.. It doesnt last forever.. I perfectly adjusted 9 and 10 year olds now.. Sometimes i wish i could have them back to where they loved to cling to me just for a day.. It is tough while your going through it but completely normal.. You just carry them or let him or let him be near you.. Once he feels he is safe he will start to venture out.. Trust me it gets better.. Good luck and best wishes..

When he turns 15 he may not want anything to do with his mommy so I would enjoy it while it lasted. I know it's hard but it won't last forever. Best of luck.

WHOA!!!
First of all, this behavior will not go on forever.
I truly believe that if you could relax and not worry about your son's screaming, you both will be better off.
Let's simplify.
What is most important to you right now?? The basics.
family, health, your marriage, maybe??
Well, keep the important things in focus every day. Ask yourself what you can od to make everyones life a little better for each day.
Happiness at home is key to any happiness you feel outside of the home.
This is your boy. Love him until you cry from it.
The time will come when he won't be around you so much, and when that time comes, do you want to regret all this unecessary negative feelings??
Make tomorrows memories today.

Hi K., i'm look like you i'm mom of 3,14 yrs boy, 3yrs boy and 1yr girl.
its crazy whem you start over.my son 3 yrs old start do the same yours he wants me all the time he cry a lot not at the places he play whit anothers , but in my house he make me crazy, but his is a baby and i have another baby his sister and more four kids i care every day, i think hi is jelous and whant my atention al the time.
i have a day care and two months ago came to me a boy who cry all the time, he has 1 yr old and don't move ,where i put him he stay i start be afraid and don't know what to do .
Now he play and start walking and don't cry he is afraid to be alone i think, and he wants stay whit his mother all the time, some kids do it this they feel confortable whit the mom , don't worry you gona resolve this aniway do it your mom said leave him cry a little bit ignore him and try put him play whit another kids another adult to and figure out what him likes he gona se you be whit you and maybe he don't be afraid to loose you .
good luck!!!!!!