My 18 month old son hates me!

[Happy4ever88]

My son hates me. I do everything for him. From feeding, nappy changing, bathing, putting him to sleep, staying awake at night when he's not well. I don't cook when I'm unwell like now and so my husband cooks half the time. But for some reason these last few nights even though I put him to sleep at night he wakes up and refuses to be put to sleep by me. I've tried putting him to sleep but he cries. So now I've left the bedroom and I'm in the living room waiting for him to fall asleep again.

I feel dejected, upset and feel like a failure. I actually cried yesterday because of this and I feel like bursting into tears right now.

Your little one does not hate you so please stop thinking that! A little one of that age is incapable of feeling "hate" towards someone, that's just how you're feeling, he is feeling at the moment. Try and think of things that may be unsettling to him at the moment, could it be the lighter nights, changes in temperature or most likely just a stubborn phase your DC is going through! But one thing, YOUR CHILD DOES NOT HATE YOU! Just persevere, drink plenty of coffee and catch up on sleep the bets you can! You got this mama, your baby dotes on you and your are their little light and comfort! Hopefully the phase passes soon! Sending love! X

Your child does not hate you- no child of that age does. How are you feeling in yourself? Would you benefit from a chat with the HV?

He doesn't hate you give your head a wobble There could be any number of reasons he's doing this but hating you absolutely isn't one of them! Could he be seeking Daddy's comfort. They will often go through phases of wanting one parent or the other and it isn't usually because they like/love one more and can actually be the opposite and they seek attention from the one who they're least secure about. If he wakes I'd check the basics and change nappy and offer a bit of water if he'll allow and if he's totally rejecting you just tell him you can see he doesn't want any fuss right now but you're going to stay here in case he changes his mind. I'd then at least lie/sit in the room with him until he goes to sleep even if you're not doing anything. Your presence alone will offer comfort and maintain that attachment. It sounds like your and LO are doing fab mummy. Try not to worry too much xx