'Favorite' Parent

my daughter is the same way, only wants daddy, never mommy. She's gotten to the point where I can help her with some things if daddy's around, but never bath and bedtime. I am also hoping she gets over it!

I just have to say, at least it is happening to someone else! ;) This is exactly the same in my house, and I can only wish it was a phase. So far this "phase" has lasted about 2.5 years!! So, I hear you!!! Sometimes I just basically say, no, I'm doing "X" and Daddy is going to help you. There are usually tears but she usually gets over it quickly when daddy makes a game out of it or something. Something else that's worked lately is saying, "it's Daddy's turn to...!" She's really trying to understand taking turns and sometimes this works and even when it doesn't, it sounds a little nicer than "suck it up!" ;) My son was born 5 months ago, so we definitely went through a tougher time right after that, but i will say she was almost more understanding then b/c she sensed a change too and was more willing to compromise I think. We're past that "understanding" stage at this point, but she adores her brother and is understanding in a different way, at least sometimes! Hang in there and take help whenever you can, especially after the baby is born.

It is funny how little kids go back and forth between parents like that. It's the first time around so it probably hurts dad's feelings a little bit but just remind him that it will probably change next month. You might want to just stand firm and tell him "Daddy can do it!." My son is six and he is pretty smart about manipulation. I'm sure that your son is not at the age yet but they learn all the tricks at a young age.

My son is like this also, when I'm gone, it's all about daddy, but as soon as I come home it's forget dad. It doesn't bother my husband too much because he knows that when it's just the two of them, they have a great time. But to get him used to his dad doing things when I'm around, I will tell my son go to daddy or daddy will change your diaper. He used to fuss at first, but now he listens and doesn't seem to mind.

A phase all kids go through. Soon, he will be all about daddy. When both of you are home take turn doing things with him and for him. Explain to your son "no, it's daddy's turn now, mommy will help you next time". He should grow out of it soon

It might be a phase. My son will only let my husband change him and do certian things.

My son is the same way, but when it's daddy's turn to do something, it's daddy's turn. What has helped us is to let my son and daddy spend one on one time together--it helps and it gives me a break too:)

It's only a phase--when they become teens, they want neither parent around much:)

M.

My daughter is 3 1/2 and she went through the same thing for a while. She used to tell my husband she didn't like him and refused to even greet him when he got home. My husband was really hurt but we both realized it's a relatively normal stage - especially when the mom does most of the day to day caregiving. I think kids also get a little upset that their dad's aren't home most of the day and it's how they communicate that - even if they don't understand themselves why they aren't happy with daddy. Either way, my daughter seems to have grown out of it for the time being. It helped that I spent most of one weekend day away and my husband and her had to "bond". We also explained to her that daddy loves her and wants to be home but he has to work to support the family. Ironically enough I work from home but of course the kids don't see that.

No worries - I'm pretty sure most kids go through that and it usually flip flops throughout their childhood. Hang in there and tell your husband to try not to take it personally. The other thing that worked was my husband would come home and say hello offhandedly to our daughter but didn't ask her for a hug or kiss etc... Eventually she wanted to know why he wasn't paying that much attention to her. Kids are just like adults that way :)

I agree with what the others posted, but want to add: perhaps after your 2nd child is born, he will naturally strengthen his bond with his dad. My older daughter is all about dad since mom is always busy with (nursing) the baby. I'm hoping THAT ends soon!

Best wishes.

Hi C S I was very surprised to hear the responses that I heard and making it sound like it;s Ok and normal for a child to behave in that manner. My husband and I had 3 kids two sons one daughter, and we never had that issue. A 3 year old should not have control over what parent does what with him and or for him, or be allowed to show rejection to one parent over the other.It's teaching your child that's its ok to show disrespect at a very young age. Just because something is a stage, doesn't make it right, and so many children get away with some much because what they are doing parents believe is a stage. Just wanted to give you another way to view this situation,to many things are ignored, and view as normal. or that's just a stage, to me it gives some parents an excuse to not deal with certain behaviors. Congradulations on the up coming birth of your baby. Conniebb

Its a phase. Kids switch back and forth.

I know exactly how you feel. my lil one is the same way. she is stuck to me like my extra liver,lung and heart! she wants me for everything and needs dad to assist her with wiping her butt. hehe! because I am over that one.. LOL..
but other than that she is MOM MOM MOM MOM.. she actually calls herself a mini L.!!!!!!!! oh dear...!
But then again, she is my LAST one, So I kinda like all the attention.... but youre right it gets old after a while.. but.... then again... dad really dont understand either..!