I don’t think my 5 year old likes me

[Greenfizz]

I know everyone will say “it’s because you’re his safe person”
But I really don’t think it is. He’s always been much closer to his dad than to me.
However now he doesn’t seem to want anything to do with me at all. He gets angry when I even look at him, he doesn’t go to me when he’s upset, he wants anyone else (grandparents, dad, uncle) except me.
He is my only child and it’s really devastating. I’ve even considered leaving as he seems much happier with anyone else.
I did have PND when he was born & while he was a baby, but we had a good bond after that, or so I thought.
I take him to school and pick him up , I also take him out with friends. But he never even wants to give me a kiss or cuddle anymore, but he will with everyone else.

It’s really getting me down. I don’t have great self confidence anyway but when it’s your own child it’s pretty soul destroying.

My children have favoured me over their father and it hurts him too.

We have tried to find things the kids enjoy that they only do with him (activities or special food treats). That had helped them bond.

Other than that I would say my oldest one is nearly 7 and she's balanced out a lot recently. So hopefully they'll grow out of it.

When he goes to give his dad a hug has dad tried saying can you give mummy a hug first?

How does his father treat you? Often they will copy

Oh this is a known phase isn't it? When kids, especially boys, reject their Mum's to forge stronger bonds with Dad? My Neighbour was telling me about it as her 5 year old has had some counselling, and she was discussing it with the counsellor in her school as she's a teacher. She was very reassured to hear that!!