Is it normal for a 3.5-year old to be super needy?

[quelindo]

My son has always put the "attachment" in "attachment parenting" -- he's a total mama's boy. But lately it seems like he's REALLY into me. He doesn't want me to run an errand, or even leave the room. He tells me he loves me constantly. He's just super clingy.

Is this just the age? FWIW he doesn't go to preschool or even ever have a babysitter, though I did attempt to leave him in the childcare center at a gym several weeks ago (a few times).

[4evermom]

My ds at 4 yo wouldn't let me out of his sight for a few months after an attempt to send him to pre-k. He only went 10 half days and I swear it took about a year to get back to where we were.

Also, 3 is a big age for random fears so that could be a contributing factor. They realize how little and vulnerable they are, among other things.

[roostery]

Totally normal.

My DD went through that at 3.5. It was really hard. She hadn't really had a lot of fears before that but all of a sudden she didn't want to be alone anywhere and would freak herself out just thinking about it.

[CB73]

My 3yo is "clingy" right now...wants only mama for everything. I found this by Naomi Aldort which really helped me with some perspective. Perhaps it will be helpful for you too: (starts p 52)

http://www.naturallifemagazine.com/0902/JanFeb09.pdf

In particular, I liked this bit:

"We assume that independence means that the child does things away from
mom and dad, on his own. But what does this have to do with independence?

Independence is not about what the child does or who he is with. Instead, it is about the reason for his choices. Is your child choosing his actions with a goal of impressing others, or is he making choices independently based on his own inner guide (which can include consideration of others)?"

Let me also share that a dear friend tragically died this past summer, just before DS2 turned 3yo. I hadn't realized exactly how tuned in and linked to MY emotions children can be at this age. I suspect that being so firmly attached only intensifies things for little ones. Just a thought to consider.

[gingerstar]

I think it is developmental - I've been reading Your Three Year Old, and she talks about them as being very Mommy-centric, that they just really want to be with Mommy right now.
Also, I think it is common for them to be clingier just before they make big developmental changes, and 4 is a pretty independent age, I think.

So just try to enjoy it - I know it can be frustrating, but I've seen how fast it changes - soon he will be rolling his eyes, wiping off your kisses, and saying "Whatever!"