Clingy children…….independe nt adults?

Not sure, really. Neither of mine were in the slightest bit clingy, nor is my four-year-old grandson (good job as I can't abide clingy kids!). They were encouraged to be as independent as they could through each stage in their lives, and it obviously worked as my son left home to join the Army at 16! I saw it as my job as a parent to prepare them to stand on their own two feet and fly the nest.

Interesting question Sago. My DC was similar to your DS in that he hated being away from home without us; residential school trips were a nightmare to get him to go on! In adulthood, he's still very much a home bird and still avoids being away from his family if he can help it. Of the 2 GC, one is exactly like him; will have sleepovers but needs a lot of reassurance that parents are close by and she can go home if she changes her mind. Her sibling couldn't be more different! Totally confident away from home, would have sleepovers every weekend with anyone who has a spare bed and doesn't need that "goodnight call" to mummy and daddy before bedtime! It will be interesting to see if and how they change as they get older.