I have a velcro kid.

She constantly wants “tuddles” (cuddles); will come and find me whenever I’m on the toilet (and will stand there, not breaking eye contact, until I’ve finished); and even if I manage to sit her down in front of CBeebies for five minutes, I’ll turn around 10 seconds later and there she’ll be.

I can’t cook dinner without having to pick her up (I have one muscly arm as a result), I’m the only one she wants when she wakes in the night, and if anyone else is enjoying my attention...? Well, that makes them enemy number one.

Her dad can’t get a look-in. Neither can her sister. She wants me – and only me – and while it’s absolutely wonderful (who doesn’t want to feel so loved and needed?), I’d be a complete liar if I didn’t admit it can be a tad exhausting.

It seems I’m not alone with my “velcro” child – an unofficial term for the kids, especially babies, who are “clingy” to one parent (usually mum). A quick scroll on TikTok and you’ll see a whole host of videos from parents, and also parenting pros, about the phenomenon.

But why are they like this?

For starters, let’s be clear: it’s nothing you’ve done wrong. It’s just their temperament.

Sarah Wheatley, BACP member and perinatal psychotherapist, told HuffPost UK: “Just like adults, all babies experience sensations and feelings differently.

“Some children will be temperamentally more in need of soothing and comfort to help support them through some of the experiences of being a baby.”

Signs of a velcro kid

As babies, they might not want to be put down. Cot naps might seem like the stuff of mythical stories. Your baby will sleep on you – and you only. If you put them in their play gym, they’ll likely........

© HuffPost