Our DD is 14 months old. We were living abroad when she was born and moved back to the country a few months ago. DD is a beautiful, loving and funny little girl. She has never been a good sleeper (3 wakings a night, still, after an episode of controlled crying which I had sworn we would never try). My DH has been a pretty good changer of nappies and will always do whatever he is asked to do for her. That is the issue though. It all seems mechanical. He tells me (when prompted) that he loves her but has always had to be asked or prompted to respond to her in a naturally affectionate way. As a tiny baby he would just stare at her blank faced (so naturally she would get bored and cry for me). When changing nappies he was so methodical that it took ages and she screamed. He was defensive and couldn't see why he should take her feelings into account when he needed to get her clean. Even today when she is a jolly walking and (nearly) talking little button she never goes to him, barely smiles at him and screams if she is handed to him. She is not like this with anyone else - friends, strangers, other family members all get big smiles and cuddles - and it seems clear to me that she is picking up on his ambivalence. I have talked to him about this but (as above) he swears that he does love her. AIBU to expect him to be warmer towards his child?