Anyone else feel like the second best parent?

[TamarRiver]

My 6 year old DD is very much a Daddy's girl. Her dad and I have separated amicably recently and the DCs alternate weeks between our houses, and it works fine. He doesn't spoil her anymore than me, we have the same rules in each house. I'm quicker to lose my temper with her, but I'm not (as far as I'm aware) a monster. I know DD loves me, but Dad is the favourite. Has anyone else had experience of this? How, if at all, do you tackle it? And how do you cope with the rejection-like feelings?

I'm so sorry OP. Children often have a 'favourite' and it changes over time. It is just more heightened for you because of your split. Just parent the best you can, it's not a popularity competition. If it was I would win with slushies every day and iPads 24/7!

Try not to think of it as a favourite, just as different sorts of feelings for each parent.

I was such a daddies girl as a child. Daddy was my hero, who was strong and who would protect me and keep me safe. Mummy was the one who made everything better and who knew me inside and out. I loved them equally. I'm sure your DD is similar, even if she says or acts otherwise. Also bear in mind that the split is recent and that it will take a while for her emotions to settle down. Does she spend more time with you? My friend's little girl spends more time with her mum and favours her dad, but she does so because she misses her dad so much and is getting used to it.

That's really wise mavericksnoopy. Much better said than me.