1 year old son prefers his Dad

[Saem12]

Hi everyone,

My 1 year old son shows a strong preference towards his Dad. It’s been going out for a few months now and it’s starting to get me down. He won’t let me pick him up, hold him, change his nappy, dress him - but will let Daddy do all this. He also has starting hitting me but hasn’t hit his Dad yet. If Dad leaves the room he’ll drop to the floor absolutely heartbroken. If I leave the room he doesn’t even notice! It’s making things difficult in our house at morning time when I’m trying to get him ready, Dad ends up having to do it. Has anyone else had this experiance and is it just a phase? I feel inadequate as a mother and it’s affecting my self-esteem.

[Saem12]

I forgot to add that I went back to work 3 months ago. I only work part time 2 days a week. When I think about it it did start to change the relationship between us.

[Summerdays2014]

My 2 year old son goes through stages like this. It really upsets me, but after a few weeks he wants me again. It’s tough. My husband is great and when my son tells me to ‘go away’ he makes a big point of explaining that that is not kind and that we can all play together. He always includes me when my son is going through one of these stages and I think that really helps. You have my sympathy, I know how awful it must make you feel - it does me.

[JKCR2017]

My two are exactly the same at times. They are 7 and nearly 3. I can assure you that your DS loves you and is just going through a phase. I put it down to the fact I’m s stay at home Mum and my kids always know I’ll be home whereas daddy does to work and he’s more exciting 😂😂