To feel sad my son prefers daddy?

[bringon2024]

So I have 2 boys ages 5 and 3 . Older one is a proper mummy's boy but younger one is totally for daddy and it makes me sad. Last night younger was unwell and came into my bed crying etc but as soon as daddy arrived he calmed down
In general he always wants daddy to do everything

Now I know I'll get replies saying daddy is a novelty cos he doesn't see him as much but actually that's not the case here as he sees us both the same amount of time

Why do I feel so rubbish they he seemingly prefers daddy? Obvs I'm happy for him that him and daddy are so close but it makes me feel a bit rubbish. Even tho he's only 3

Can anyone relate

@ButWhatAboutTheBees It’s a classic case of only wanting to read what she wants to hear, rather than the truth or any advice.

Young children flip between parents he will be wanting you in a few weeks/months

Considering the charming reply I got as well as the way they've managed to take clear advice as someone telling them how they do act...

Classic MN of only wanting pandering and to be told their right

Considering the charming reply I got as well as the way they've managed to take clear advice as someone telling them how they do act...

Classic MN of only wanting pandering and to be told their right

My DS (15) was totally into DH when he was younger, they did Cubs and various activities together and I was surplus to requirements! Now I’m the favorite parent as he says that I’m easier to talk to, he doesn’t need DH much anymore!

I think it’s also personality-driven.

DD (18) is close to DH, because they’re alike, whereas DS and I are more alike.

Children go through lots of phases like this

Don’t allow them to play favourites and evenly divide the time, else it tends to get worse.

They do this. I remember being gutted when my eldest was crying and crawled in front of me to his Dad. He's 15 now and ignores us equally ... actually he's still affectionate and a real sweetheart when he takes his headphones off.

If eldest is particularly attached to you (as mine was despite the above example) the second seems to turn to Dad more. It evens out.

Your child preferring you isn't always a bed of roses so just try to appreciate things the way they are and also accept it's just a phase and won't last long. My toddler is absolutely obsessed with me in the evenings and I often have to brush my teeth while her dad holds her and she sobs 'mummy!' hysterically over and over. Be glad that's not you!

Another thing to remember- there are plenty of MN posts talking about the non-existent/low contact fathers so it’s heartening when they have a close bond.

I was delighted at how well DH bonded with our children, it’s far better than the opposite.