Baby Wannabes

Why growing up can cause toddlers to act needier than ever.

By Mimi Greenwood Knight

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Why It's Normal

Many kids seem anxious to skip over their baby years. They toddle anxiously after older siblings, try to play with big-kid toys, and issue straight denials, like, "I am not a baby!" Which is why it's so surprising when your toddler suddenly does start acting like an infant: pouting, begging to be carried, and generally gluing herself to your side.

Reverting to babyish habits is normal -- even healthy. Taking a few temporary steps back helps kids cope with the huge developmental changes of the toddler years. "Children this age are becoming independent quickly but still need to feel connected to their parents," says Andrew Wenger, PhD, professor of psychology at the University of Miami. "It's an emotional tug-of-war for them." Reverting to clinginess and chants of "You feed me!" is your toddler's attempt to ditch the stress of growing up. It may make you crazy, but it's actually pretty easy to understand the emotions that prompt this phase -- and how to survive it.

Next: What Triggers a Backslide?

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