INFO:

It can be so frustrating when your child won’t stop clinging to you at family gatherings at birthday parties or in other situations. I know you just want them to be able to go out and have fun and learn and engage, but some children take longer to be ready to do this than others. The reason they cling to you is because you are their safe person and you are helping them feel safe in the situation. Try to be patient and give them the time that they need to do this and know that it won’t last forever. We all have a sense of neuroception that tells us if we are safe or in danger in a specific situation (see Stephen Porges’ work). This is automatic, not cognitive. Bottom up, not top down. Your co-regulation, you being there physically and emotionally will help set your child up for a lifetime of success.