Speak with the parents about how much they are holding him, entertaining him, never letting him out of the sight attention of one parent or the other. We are only one parent and there is no other adult to entertain the child while we make lunch, change a diaper or read a story at circletime. They need to get on board with teaching the child that he can be self-sufficient and rely on himself to be happy and not something external. Sometimes a child that likes to be held will do well in a stroller with the hood up and blankets - helps muffle the sound and gives him the pressure that consoles him. I don't get right down to eye level with this type of child because it is like teasing as in it says come here I am going to pick you up. I do the stand beside, pull them in close, pat their head, shoulders etc. but leave them on the floor. Again picking them and putting them down is confusing so unless you plan to pick up and carry for awhile do the snuggle only.