Suddenly only daddy will do - 17 mo

[matana]

DS and I have always had a fantastic bond. He's not clingy, goes happily off to his CM, is happy to be with other people, but clearly loves me and we've always had lots of lovely cuddles.

Recently though it's daddy who gets all the cuddles (without prompting) and the kisses. We have lots of fun and giggles etc, and there is no open coldness or anything, he's just a bit..... removed from me and he's just not that into cuddling me any more. I really have to work at getting his attention.

I have no resentment about his attachment to my DH at all, i think it's fantastic, healthy and wonderful to see (my DH keeps laughing and reminding me that he's waited 17 months for this kind of attention from him!) I suppose i'm getting a taste of how it has felt to my DH all this time! But really i'm just worried because i work FT and i wonder if he's becoming detached from me.

Is this a normal phase, or do i need to worry?

Sounds pretty normal to me. Working FT makes no difference to your relationship with your child. I think, because they know you're there all the time, they're comfortable in their love for you rather than gushing. Dad is currently flavour of the month. My DS only had eyes for his grandad for a phase. Try not to take it personally.

DS (aged 26 months) went through this a while ago and still has his moments where he's like that.

I'm a SAHM which is grand but we've noticed that if DS wakes up during the night or is ill then it's only his dad he wants - which suits me as I can keep sleeping

I have went through this with both of my children, the youngest going through it now, my HV told me just to go with it and not discourage it, they will grow out of it and my eldest did through time, he still loves daddys hugs etc. but he isn't as obsessed with him as he used to be so don't worry it should pass. But it has its benefits, it gives me a break sometimes and it means not all the pressure is in you which I find with some of my friends children who don't get a minutes peace so its not the worst situation.

i'd embrace it if i were you.

my ds has been prefering daddy for 3 years, the amount of drudge work i get out of is brill.