Just Go Play!
We are having some issues with the Big One. She is still attached to my hip. I know it’s my own fault, but how do I fix it? We met some friends at a kid-friendly cafe today. My friends kids all relished the new toys and great adventures that awaited this new space. My kids? Both of them clung to me like Saran Wrap.
The Big One kept peering over the little retaining wall-type thing to see what the kids were doing, but she wouldn’t go near the baby gate that separated her from my legs. Clearly she wanted to play, but her fear of abandonment held her back. I don’t know where the fear comes from. I haven’t left her in any strange places. She has never gotten lost. She has only been “left” with her grandparents or aunt and cousins. I just don’t get it. She is 3 years, plus a few months old. Shouldn’t she be done with me? Shouldn’t she want to go play? Surely the toys and kids were way more entertaining than me, but I couldn’t convince her of that.
I hope that once we get her into preschool maybe that fear will disappear, but until then I just wish she would go play!
fixitmommy.com 
Eh, I think it’s just a phase. She’ll get over it. My 4 y.o. went to a b-day party last March and was just like that. Stuck to me like glue! Cried and wouldn’t play w/ the other kids. I was embarrassed. However, she’s not like that now just 6 months later. 🙂
It’ll be ok. I promise!
My Big One has the same tendencies! Its been worse since Ive been home FT with her. Weekly playgroups have helped. At first i had to literally hold her hand on the playground the whole time. After a month or so of weekly playgroups, im now able to sneak away by about 4 or 5 feet. I just keep trying to increase our distance until i can sit w/the “normal” moms on a bench! (yesterday was a minor miracle!)
I think you are right on. Preschool will fix that issue within two weeks.