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I know this has been done before but 18mo only wanting mummy...

5 replies

Galena · 09/11/2010 20:01

Our 18mo DD is cute, funny and beginning to grow into her character. I am a SAHM and loving it. She loves her daddy and when he gets home from work her little face lights up. However, if he tries to play with her she crawls away and if he tries to cuddle her she screams. If she wants a book, for example, she will bring it to me and if I'm busy and he tries to take it to read it with her, she shakes her head vehemently and carries on bringing it to me.

She is perfectly happy when he baths her, playing and giggling with him. She won't let him put her to bed though - she screams and is inconsolable until I go in. As soon as I go in and cuddle her she stops in seconds.

He has taken her out for day-trips and she is absolutely fine all day.

She is also very clingy in other situations, although she is gradually getting better - it was that I couldn't walk across a room without her screaming, but now she copes with me leaving the room for a few minutes.

What can we do? DH is beginning to feel very low about it all (It has been going on for months) and whilst we know it is a phase, she seems to be getting worse with him, rather than better. :(

Please help!

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Teaandcakeplease · 10/11/2010 09:17

I'm not sure if I'll be that helpful but I found my DD always preferred me putting her to bed and so over time my H would sit in the room with me as I did it for a week, then he started to do more of it but I remained in the room and then eventually I withdrew and she got used to it. She was slightly younger when she did this and it was over 3 yrs ago now, so my memory maybe hazy. I think sometimes children bond more with one parent, as long as he spends lots of time with her, even if it's just in the same room and keeps playing/ being kind/ funny with her when possible, overtime their bond will strengthen I'm sure.

I'm sure someone else will be along in a bit.

Fiddledee · 10/11/2010 10:47

Totally normal - i find holidays when dad around all the time can break the cycle. I would say that dad is reading the bedtimes story (thats when I cook our dinner) and the mummy will come and give you a cuddle before you go to sleep.

Teaandcakeplease · 16/11/2010 18:47

Galena how are things going?

tholeon · 16/11/2010 20:28

mine is the same! I had to come home from a night out recently because DS (17 months) was hysterical - calmed down and went to sleep as soon as I got back...

let me know if you find any miracle solutions...

notasausage · 17/11/2010 14:46

My DD has had phases of being a daddys girl but mostly it's me she wants if we're both there. Now nearly 2 and it's a little better although if I'm away she is totally fine.

I'd say if he's around and available to her ie sitting on the floor playing with her toys and tries not to force it - let her come to him, then it will pass in time. It's as hard on you as it is on her dad as it means you don't get a break. If she's fine on her own with him then why don't you go out for a bit and get a break.

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