Do your kids go through stages of being very needy???

kellytime · **Do your kids go through stages of being very needy???**

My 7 yo was crying on the stairs yesterday because I had not sat down to cuddle him on the couch! (DH is working out of town, I was busy with the two younger boys... a race against the clock to get them all in bed etc...) well, I'd told him I'd sit with him when I "had a minute" but things were busy. So, he was quietly sobbing on the stairs.. I thought he was joking at first! Then, I could tell he was deeply saddened, and I wrapped him in a blanket and held/cuddled him in his bed for about 15 minutes (singing rock a bye baby!)

I was very surprised that he was so needy. We are busy around here, and I'm sure he's not getting as much one-on-one time with me as he'd like, but I am spread thin with the 3 kids and no husband to help with anything around here. (He works 3 days per week out of town... then when he is home, the kids are "my job" so he doesn't help then either. Except a diaper change here or there....)

Anyhoo, do your kids go through needy stages??? I'm just wondering if I should worry about this, or just start making a point of giving him more affection/attention?

merandmalmom · 01-05-2007, 12:35 AM

I'd say that sounds pretty normal. This is a crazy time of year. They just experienced a break from school and their regular routine. My kids will sometimes act a little differently and more needy when we are making these kinds of adjustments. Another possibility is that he might be sick. The second day of Christmas vacation my 7 year old daughter was crying about everything. I took her to the doctor on the third day and found out she had strep! So you might want to ask him if his ears or throat hurt.

Happymom · 01-05-2007, 10:45 AM

Yep, I think that is pretty normal. My almost 7, 8 and 9 yr old boys are very needy that way (maybe it is the way I am raising them?) I think it does sort of run in cycles.