I've tried everything. We wake up early, get her things ready at night, I ignore her when she cries and whines, I even tried creating goals and rewards so she will stop this behavior, and she still continues. Any advice is appreciated. - Shevonne

Sounds like you're handling it the best way possible. Unless there is an assignable cause, it's probably a "phase". Hang in there. - MoTO #TeamMonique from Android

I hope so because I'm getting fed up. - Shevonne

Yeah, as MoTO said, sounds like you're doing everything you can and it may be a phase. My 7yr old used to (and sometimes reverts to) the same thing. He used to be very clingy with his mom, but it's easier for me with boys. You can't really tell a girl to "man up." LOL. - Rahsheen?

@Rah My dad used to tell us that all the time, so I might have to resort to doing that. Hahaha - Shevonne

I was like this as a kid and, to be honest, I think it was rooted in some other social anxiety issues I had at the time. I eventually got past it (mostly), but I wish someone had taken the time to see what the problem actually was and help me deal with that anxiety about non-family social situations. ETA: my family members who told me to just get over it basically taught me that I couldn't go to them with my anxieties. I was a shy introvert in a family with some extreme extroverts. We still don't always "get" each other. - Katy S

bump for ideas - Surprisingly Monstrous

Good point, Katy with an S. At the very least, listening is paramount. Ultimately though, sometimes I tell Waif, "It looks like we just have to ride this one out." - MoTO #TeamMonique

@Katy Isabelle used to be like that. I couldn't put her in sports or activities because she would scream if I left. However, this past summer, she started being really outgoing. I'm really hoping that it's a passing phase. Then again, when she stops thinking her mother is "cool," Ill be the one with the separation anxiety. :) - Shevonne

My 8 yr old was a very much like this when she was younger, and still wouldn't think of having a sleepover even at her best friend's house that she has known for over 4 years (her friend does sleep over with us, sometimes). I think you are doing the right things - lots of reassurance and cuddles when there is time, but also the firmness that you need to leave at the proper time without the fuss. Could you ask her what she thinks would help her to stop the behaviour? Maybe you could work out between you what is needed. If she says things like "For you to stay with me all day" (as my daughter has done in the past) then that's the time to talk about needing to work so you can feed you all etc. If you can pick a time when she's calm and do it over a few days maybe that will help. The fact she has made such progress is great - praise her for the changes she has made and emphasize how much more fun she is having, and how grown up she is getting. I'm sure it's a phase, but in the meantime I hope you get some relief from the stress of it. This parent stuff is hard! - WoH: Professor MOTHRA

Thank you :) - Shevonne