To be irrationally heartbroken at being rejected by my toddler??

[ethelfleda]

I know I probably am.
DS is 22 months and we were incredibly well bonded for the first 18 months or so of his life.
Now, not only does he show an overwhelming preference for DH it will quite often push me out of his way, or behave like he is sad to see me when I get home. The other day, he fell in the garden and wouldn’t even let me comfort him because he knew DH was in the house. He wouldn’t calm down until he was in Daddy’s arms.
I know he is too young to understand and I am the adult and I shouldn’t be so upset by it - but I fell so rejected. Probably doesn’t help that he stopped nursing nearly 4 weeks ago either. I didn’t have a great relationship with my mom growing up (and still don’t really) and this worries me! Is it just a phase? Is it something I am doing wrong?

Please be kind - as you can probably tell I am not only needy but very easily hurt

Dd1 was like this. Then she switched and rejected dh becoming a total mummies girl. Then she switched again. Children are emotional master manipulators and also little shitbags

^ this!

MRex
Yes - ear infection and thrush all gone but he just never went back to the breast. I don’t know if maybe it had been too long? I offered it (and still do now every day) but he just refuses so that’s that! I really wish I had picked it all up sooner - maybe he would have started feeding again.

No point living in maybes really, he had a very decent run. He'll get back to wanting cuddles with you soon I'm sure, it's probably just novelty because he doesn't have a boob urge any more so he can focus more on his Daddy.

It's a phase. My toddler did it at a similar age and I hated it.

He's currently extremely clingy towards me which isn't much fun, either.

It'll be a phase, and nothing to worry about.

Read up on Freud's phallic phase (I promise it's not as dirty as it sounds). It's actually a normal developmental phase and it WILL pass.

I know its not what you want to hear but it does sound rather cute. It'll eventually even out as he gains understanding of the world around him. I remember asking my dad if I could go out as a teenager as he'd say yes whereas my mother would want a full itinerary with times/dates/phone numbers/locations...

Sorry to hear you've been having a tough time! Toddlers eh... Perhaps you're especially affected by this because of recent weaning? The drop in oxytocin could be making you feel down and toddler antics are just the cherry on the cake?

kellymom.com/ages/weaning/wean-how/depression-and-weaning/