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I totally feel you, mama!!! I know exactly how you feel. You are outlining EXACTLY how I felt as a SAHM. I really struggled with this transition as well.

This is what eventually helped me... I scheduled outings every single day. In the mornings I would go grocery shopping or run an errand. Then usually the afternoon outing was either a drop-in playgroup at a center or a playdate with other SAHMs or nannies and babies his age. Usually it was just moms/nannies sitting in a circle with toys in the middle and the kids would just go at it. This way I didn't feel guilty not letting him move around because he was doing it every day with other kids around as well, but NOT in my house or if it was my house, it would be a playdate and after all the kids played, all the moms/nannies would help clean up.

Plus the conversations with other adults would help my sanity!!!

I really encouraged Wagon Jr. to play independently and since he's always been a very independent and non-clingy kid, this really helped. I would have designated play-together times, but all other times at home I would be cleaning or cooking or doing laundry. And if it was a bad day (like if he was sick) then I would just blow off the housework and order takeout (even just for myself for lunch!! embarassing when the delivery guy comes with just one sub for you!).

Good luck... it's a tough time!!!!

This is exactly what it was like for us from 11-13 months. It was so so hard! By 13 months though a bunch of teeth had come in, and he was walking pretty well and then things started to get a lot better. Hang in there!

At that age my LO didn't want to be near me at all. When she started to learn to crawl, she was like whatever mom, enough of you, I can crawl away! So my advice..... take advantage of it. She will only be a baby for so long. She will only want to cuddle and be with you for so long. I know messes can get annoying, but the most important thing is spending time with your LO, not cleaning up that mess. And just be glad that she's crawling toward you and not away from you like mine always was

@artbee: To be honest, I really hate hearing advice like this. My daughter is one who wants to be in constant contact with me, and it makes me crazy some times. We can all only stand as much as we can stand, and we're all just doing our best.

I struggled when my daughter became very mobile as well. Can you further child proof your home? Can you put down some foamy tiles so that if she falls, it's ok? I can't help you with the constant clinginess, except to say that it's really hard for me too. Also, the lack of sleep. Can you take a mental health day? Do you have a spouse to spell you, even if it means a vacation day?

I totally feel your pain!!
I have a 21 (almost 22) month old and she's constantly on the move! Omg she shrieks with joy and talks SO LOUD too. Makes it so hard for me to put her little brother down for naps.
I need to get ear plugs for the poor guy.

I struggled too! I loved the baby stage and I'm amazed at the toddler stage but for me it's harder than the baby stage! I completely agree with the others about outings. We do something in the morning after breakfast and cleaning up. Even if it's just out in the back yard to hang up laundry and chase the dogs around for a half hour, but we have to get out of the house in the mornings.
Also I found giving her little tasks helped. We were packing up to move when LO was 11 months old so I had her putting things in boxes. I found a lot of toys in a lot of random boxes because she wasn't just putting her toys in the toy box anymore but it did keep her occupied.

My daughter is 15 months but very independent do I don't have the trouble now but my boys were a royal pain. I felt like I had three monkeys clinging to me all day. When it got really bad and I just needed a little space I would put them in their cribs with a toy and go listen to a song on my iPod. Usually one dong was enough of a reset for me. I know it's hard but trust me, it will get easier in a few months.

I hear ya! Can u get a cleaner to come in once a week or so?

The best thing I have found is to try to identify a good time when she is relaxed and willing to play independently or at least tag along without much interfering. Try to get chores done during that window. For us she was best when she first woke up. She is always hungry and in the high chair for a while so that buys me time to unload the dishwasher and hopefully start a load of laundry. Sometimes I can cook something then too. Seriously she sits in her high chair for a while.

Even after her high chair time for breakfast she is awake and fed so if I give her something to do (new toy puzzle art etc) she will play somewhat independently for a while. That let's me finish up laundry and maybe sweep and clean up from breakfast.

Worst case I have put her in the pack and play in front of the tv. She doesn't really watch tv but I put on some music and gave er toys so I could clean and go from room to room as needed without dragging her along. Sometimes she will play for A little bit.

i think right around 11 months was the hardest time for me, looking back. baby girl wasn't walking yet but had such curiosity about everything, i had to constantly follow her. once she started to walk at 13 months, it was *amazing* how much easier everything was. now, at 20 months, we're good to go and it's awesome, so chin up, this too shall pass!