Well, I don't know that he's feeling insecure, as he's always been this way since about 18 months old. My husband and I used to be able to leave him in the church nursery while we attend mass, without any problem.  But the church nursery closed for 3-4 months, and then when we brought him back, he never stopped crying while there.

Some people (not necessarily those with HN kids) tell me that this is normal at this age. And that things should get better at about 2 1/2  to 3 years old.

Oh, I so know what you two mean!

I have my "long" answers off pat now so shorter ones come out. Plus I've learned lots of devious tactics now, like knowing if we've run out of cherios to says "daddy had frosties this morning coz we're out of cherios - would you like frosties too, or would you like weetabix like me?" - she always wants what daddy has!

She still doesnt like "no" and she still loves "why". But the one that gets me seeing red now is "what are you/is she doing now mummy?" to which the tempting answer is "isnt it OBVIOUS, I'm eating a banana" etc, but to which I try really hard to say either "you guess" or more politely "what do you think I'm doing right now?"

The irony is, I was so looking forward to "why?" but it isnt really why at the start, it has a lot of defiance in it. Now there is a genuine need to know and the intellectual ability I think to grasp the concepts, if I can just get the words together in the right order!

sorry, I have a two second memory right now.

Stroller: I know it's awkward, but if Matthew helped you tidy up, would there be room for it to be static in the room? I just wondered if he got it out of his system now, then he wouldnt be fighting the twins for the use of it later? And maybe he could be encouraged to be extra helpful and tidy right now if you gave him a way of achieving his dream?

Just a thought.