Question
Our 4 yo has recently become very clingy with obvious separation anxiety. It seemed to have all started upon returning home from the hospital 2 months ago with baby #3. He is the oldest and does have problems playing by himself. I set the timer for times when he is completely struggling to entertain himself. But as soon as it goes off, he is right by my side. The separation anxiety does not present itself when he goes to school or is left at home with a babysitter. It is only when we are together in the same house! If I leave the room he panics. If I go down stairs during his quiet time there is a complete meltdown. I reassure him I'm not leaving the house and I'm just downstairs.
I would think after 2 months this would have settled down a bit. But is there anything I can do to calm the anxiety and to encourage a little bit more independence. Having a constant shadow is frustrating!
