[redbonec]

Our daugther had separation anxiety from about 14 months until about 21 months. Much better after that. Now, she just turned two, and the last couple weeks it seems to have started again, wanting only me. Doesn't want grandparents, and now this week even Daddy to pick her up or do things without me. I thought the separation anxiety stage was over, but is it normal to have a second wind of it?

[McNally720]

I would say yes. I don't have any scientific proof, except that my daughter went through phases when I would drop her off at daycare all the way up til we were done for summer vacation. It seemed to me that it was more dramatic/for show more than anything else--maybe a bit more manipulative than the round...hope she works through it soon!!

[Barksum]

My kids did/do this periodically. I think sometimes something makes them want mom for some reason. A lack of sleep? Or, like Scrooge suggested when confronting Morley's ghost, a bit of mustard or undigested beef? Who knows?! I also think toddlers just like to yank their mom's chains, too. They do things out of the blue, get me all uptight, and then *poof* they're fine again.

Be consistent, stick to your daily routines, maintain bedtimes, etc. and hopefully things will resolve with a bit of time.

[redbonec]

Barksum, you are hilarious, and I think you and McNally are both right.

This summer my husband has been home a lot, which is a great thing. (He is a teacher and a coach.) But routine has also been very off, we have been here and there, and doing all kinds of things. And when he wants to hold her or wash her hands or change a diaper she puts up a fuss, but it is a little different cry, almost more of "I didn't say you, I want Mommy."
My poor husband. He says the kids will read about him in school this year because he is now history.

Interestinly, we attended an adoption seminar this past Fri, and Sat and she stayed several hours at my parents on Fri, then several hours at aunt, uncle, cousins house on Sat. I prepared her to what would happen, we were going to a meeting, etc. She never cried when we left nor during when we were gone.

This does seem to be only at home, I think the manipulation of Mommy and Daddy and the out of routine is the hit.

Thanks!