Getting Some Space at Last
Walking out of a room shouldn't feel like planning a breakout. Yet, here you are, ducking behind a door frame like a spy. Here's a short list of tricks that might just help ease this clingy phase.
Why They Do This
Toddlers are little explorers, but they're also terrified of losing their guides (that’s you). Separation anxiety is real, often striking hardest around bedtime or during an early evening meltdown when energy is low.
Try These
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The Goodbye Ritual Create a mini-ritual. A quick hug, a blown kiss, or a silly phrase. My son and I say, "Quick as a bunny!" before I leave. It doesn't always work instantly, but it's like a tiny promise that you'll be back soon.
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Peek and Return Tell them you'll be back in 'X minutes' — choose something quick like 5. Actually return when you say, even if it's just to pop your head in and say, "See, I'm still here!" (This buys more time in the future.)
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Offer Choices Give them a choice about how you leave: "Should I tiptoe or moonwalk out?" It's silly, but it adds a sense of control.
A Real Scenario
The other night, I needed to step out to fold laundry (glamorous, I know). My daughter insisted I stay. I tried saying, "Tell you what, I'll be back in 3 songs," and sang a line from 'Twinkle, Twinkle'. This time it didn't work — toddlers, right?
Closing Thought
None of this is foolproof, but it’s a start. These methods might just give you the couple of minutes you need to breathe or, you know, finish a cup of coffee while it's still hot.