Sure, everyone out there can agree that parenting is a full-time job, but raising a “velcro kid”? Well, that’s a whole new level of exhaustion. No, seriously, it really is. Now, these little ones latch on physically, emotionally, and sometimes both; basically, they’re your shadow.
Sure, to a degree, it’s sweet, sure, but it’s also draining when you can’t make a phone call, finish a chore, or even sip a cup of coffee without a tiny hand tugging at you for attention. Basically, your mental health is going to really go down south, and that’s just not something you want, right?
Well, here’s the thing: velcro kids aren’t clingy just to test your patience. Actually, they’re seeking reassurance and security, often because of anxiety or a need for extra comfort. But they obviously need to grow out of this, and you need your life back. So, what can you do? Well, it’s about getting your life back and staying sane in the process, and here’s how!
You’ll Need to Start the Day With Reassurance
For starters, mornings with a Velcro kid can feel like a marathon before the day even begins, right? Basically, the moment they sense you’re about to leave for work or drop them off at the local daycare centre, well, the clinginess kicks in. Yes, even if they are in daycare, school, or even have a daily babysitter, they can still be a velcro kid. But overall, just starting the day with a little extra reassurance can make those transitions less bumpy.
Believe it or not, a quick morning ritual can do wonders. For example, maybe it’s a few quiet minutes of snuggles or sharing something positive about the day ahead. Even a simple “You’ve got this, and I’ll see you soon” can even help them feel more secure. Well, sure, it’s not magic, but it sets the tone for a smoother start and gives them the confidence to face what’s next.
It’s About Creating Gentle Boundaries
Now, you need to remember that Velcro kids are like magnets for attention; they’ll do just about anything to get it. But constantly feeding that need can wear down even the most patient parent. That’s why you really need those boundaries. It’s best to start small, like letting them play alone, and slowly get it to where you can be in a different room than them. It might take a while, but you can’t let those boundaries get broken.
Prepare for Transitions
Oh yes, if there’s one thing Velcro kids hate, it’s change. It really doesn’t matter what that change is, be it something like bedtime, leaving the house, wrapping up playtime, or anything else. But overall, transitions can send their anxiety into overdrive.
Ideally, you should give them a heads up, such as a “In five minutes, it’s time to clean up and get ready for bed. Now, it doesn’t guarantee a quick fix, but it’s a good start.
You’ll Need to Encourage Open Conversations
Sometimes, clinginess is just their way of saying, “I’m scared,” or something like that. So, Velcro kids often don’t have the words to explain what they’re feeling, so they cling instead. So that’s why it helps if you can put those feelings into words for them. Just asking open-ended questions is usually the best way to go about it.
