16 month old clingy when dad gets home?

[larzanna]

Just wondered if anyone has some insite into this. My ds is almost 16 months old. I am a SAHM. He is fine all day long...we hang out, play, run errands ect.
As soon as my DH gets home he is happy to see him for like one minute and then.....he clings to me, wants picked up, cries, claws at my feet/legs, almost hysterics ect...All he wants is to be held by ME.

First, why? Second, how do i make this stop? When DH gets home, i really need to get dinner ready, and you know, get a minute to myself.
Its hours before DS is happy and ready to play with DH.
This is every single night.

Thoughts? Thanks.

[tangledblue]

It's developmental. My DD did the exact same thing. They KNOW that we are itching to cook dinner, hear ourselves think for a moment, etc. Seeing Daddy means ("Yay! Daddy's home! But wait...now Mommy is going to want to be away from me aaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!)

No advice. This too shall pass. Maybe just be in the kitchen, the three of you, while you cook and DS perhaps engages in some sort of activity, even if he's not actively involved with your DH. Then perhaps he won't feel threatened? Or, maybe save some special activity for when DH gets home--say, if he really likes baths or sidewalk chalk or a certain DVD, make it a dad-only activity.

[AFWife]

AHA! I knew it wasn't just my kid!!!

He adores his daddy and loves it when daddy comes home. (He asks about him each afternoon) However, he clings to me as well when I'm cooking dinner or if I try to sit in the chair by myself in the evening.

[crunchy_mommy]

18mo DS does this too. I found what works best is removing them or myself completely from the room or house. Usually DS & DH go outside, and DS looks forward to it so much that as soon as he hears DH pull into the driveway he runs to the door with his shoes in hand all ready to go out & play. If it's raining or way too hot or something, DH plays with him in another room. If we try to be in the same room or open areas of the house, I just can't do anything (neither cooking nor relaxing).

[goldenwillow]

Oh thank goodness! Same thing happens here. Good to know. Thank you!