Toddler doesn't want to see his Dad

[melly1975]

My ex left us 2 years ago when my son was 1. All been fine with regular contact but now my son doesn't want to see him. I've no concerns over his care I think its just that he doesn't want to be apart from me. Fine at nursery etc. All are amicable so no tension. He's fine with him once he's settled but every time its the same..clinging to me and crying that he doesn't want to go. Tried all sorts but not getting better.. do I make him go??

[FetchezLaVache]

I would, tbh. My DS went through a similar thing at around that age (I left his dad when he was 2.5)- it's just testing boundaries, he used to claim to hate his father, which was blatantly untrue! It's understandable, I think, that they want to be with Mummy at that age, but I think it's really important to encourage a strong relationship with both parents and as you say, he's fine once he's there... though, I know how heart-breaking it is when they're crying and clinging and begging to stay with you. :(

[melly1975]

very difficult.. tried meeting at the park, different houses.. all sorts. Got some professional advice and they said shorten the visits (he would normally stay all weekend) as he may be worrying I'm not coming back... just don't want to make it even worse... a friend had a little brother who was the same and basically stopped seeing his dad for a few months because he got so traumatised by going.....