help please my 15mth dd prefers daddy - feel really sad, what have I done wrong??

[MayItBe]

I've noticed over the last few months that my dd really prefers daddy to me. I started crying this morning when she clapped her hands and squirmed away from me the moment dh walked into the room.

I don't know why but I feel really sad and hurt about this. I've also started questioning myself wondering whether at some crucial point I've hurt her emotionally without realising.

I feel I'm being really pathetic about this but I just can't help feeling insecure. dh doesn't understand and thinks I'm being silly and that 'of course she loves you, you're her mummy'.

I need to sort out my emotions before it gets me too down. Any advice, insights or even suggestions of book to read on this would be really appreciated. Thank you.

MIB x

Nothing new to add here, just another voice to the chorus that it is completely normal and doesn't mean that there's anything wrong. My DH knows that we have at least one (and it looks like two now) Daddy's girls. Just as I'm getting tired and running out of ideas to entertain them, My Friend Daddy comes home and swings them around and sings and plays races, because he hasn't seen them all day and it's a novelty for him. No wonder he's welcomed home with open arms! I actually think that it's lovely and I really enjoy watching DH being such a lovely Dad, and also it's nice to have someone else stepping into the fray just as I'm getting to the end of my limits of energy.

I must admit I thought it was lovely when my DS used to get all excited to see his daddy. I hope that you are reassured by all the posts. You need to stop reading anything into it or you will be in pieces when they say 'I hate you, mummy' or ' I don't love you any more'-all very normal and just needs an offhand answer like 'thats OK I have enough love for two'. As the mother you often have to be the one that has to say the unpopular thing that may cause a tantrum.

my dp used to be in tears thinking ds didnt like him he wouldnt go anywhere near him always wanted me it was nice when we could have shared time it gave me a break i found it waring always wanting me no matter what

now ds has great relationship with daddy but took along time its nothing anyone does wrong and she clearly enjoys being with you at other times ds would not go near dp at all only me

its great that she is bonding with you both

Bubblagirl and tittlemouse Exactly my thoughts. I'm so proud and pleased DH has such a good relationship with his DSs (aged 8 and 6).

There are plenty of sad stories on MN of dads who are uninvolved with their DCs