Toddler massively prefers dad :(

[NotBehindTheRadiatorPlease]

Hi all. DD is almost 20 months and seems to have a real preference for her dad! She will play, cuddle ect with me when it's just us two at home, but as soon as DH gets home from work it's like I don't exist! She will follow him around, clamber on his lap, demand cuddles ect and if I try and take her off of him (if DH needs the loo or something for example) she will throw a huge tantrum!

Even if she wakes up in the night (which granted doesn't happen much anymore) she will literally push me away if I try and comfort her and want her dad instead 😭 She also seems to throw far fewer tantrums with DH than with me.

I try and tell myself that it's just a phase, or that because I'm at home with her all day I'm a bit boring and her dad is more fun and novel, but I must admit it does hurt a little that she seems to like her dad so much more! Of course it's lovely to see that DD and DH have such a close bond.

Is this normal? Did any of your little ones go through a 'only wants dad' phase?

Definitely a phase but feels like forever whilst its happening! For us Daddy phase lasted a couple of months in the end and it was intense. He'd cry whenever dad left the room. Then eventually he went through mummy phase for a bit too. They switch around but its definitely exhausting! Now hes quite even between us both which is a nice balance. It will pass :)

I'm going through this currently with my DD who is 18 months old. I'm a SAHM and DH mostly spends time with the kids at weekends and in the evenings if he's back from work early enough. Whenever he's around, DD's eyes absolutely light up. She calls out "Daddyyyyy!", blows him kisses and is just generally really happy and affectionate in his presence. She also never lashes out at him, whereas if she's feeling tired or frustrated, she often pinches me or scratches my face. I know we have a strong, primal bond - when she's ill or in pain she wants nothing more than to be in my arms. I just wish that she were more affectionate to me day to day rather than just when she's feeling ill and vulnerable.

going through this now. Had a newborn 6 months ago and toddler has been doing this since new baby was born. it's been almost 6 months now and wondering when she will grow out of this phase where she kicks and screams for her dad instead of me :,(

How long does this last?? My son is always calling dad and to make things he actually can’t call mommy properly and calls me Baba but only if he’s asked what my name. It breaks my heart