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My 3 year old is suddenly rejecting me

2 replies

MiniMouseMum · 11/02/2026 20:00

Hi, so I have a 3 year old daughter. Me and her dad seperated when I was a few months pregnant so she has never known us to be together. We used to have a beautiful relationship (basically bestfriends) but recently and very suddenly she has started to reject me.

When her dad brings her home she will start screaming and crying saying she doesnt want me or doesnt like me. When i do eventually get her inside she completely ignores my presence and continues to have a meltdown. She wont look at me, wont speak to me and pushes me away. I feel like i cant do anything right and ive tried everything i can think of. Fun activities, her favourite food or favourite programme, her favourite toys and nothing works. Ive tried just sitting on the floor quietly close by in the hopes she will seek some form of comfort from me but i get no response from her. I no longer get nice pictures from her (theyre all for her dad) if we bake cakes or cookies, im not allowed them as theyre for dad. Every interaction we have just seems to be a battle. She throws tantrums over the food i cook her, whenever i have to get her dressed or brush her hair, all things we never had issues with before.
Ive always been primary caregiver for her and this sudden change from her is quite concerning but also makes me feel like a bad mum and that im failing her in some way. Any advice is welcome Im just trying to do the best i can

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Cheeseandquackers21 · 11/02/2026 20:05

Sorry to hear this. I know its easier said than done, but try not to take it personally. This age children are fickle. Amd next week she may be doing the same to her dad ( obviously i dont know how it is now) .
It will improve, just hang in there.

Usernamehistoryfull · 11/02/2026 20:05

It's not the same as me and my DD's dad are still happily married, but she also went through this phase. She's now 5 and I'm her "bestie" again now though, and her Dad has the rejected badge of honour. I don't know if it'll be the same for your DD but I wouldn't jump straight to worrying. It's tough though!

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