Hi all, I realise this is a relatively common issue and I need to get a thicker skin but I’m looking for advice as to how to deal with this! I should start by saying I’m 31 weeks pregnant so feeling extra tired and hormonal and sensitive and well... 2020.
My 2 year old DD is generally an absolute delight but over the last few months she’s started to show a massive preference for my husband and now actively rejects me, I know this is about having choice at this age, but I find it so hurtful! It started off with her only wanting her dad to put her to bed and that’s improved a bit now as we’ve tried our best to insist on alternating it although I felt so anxious every evening knowing she’d have a full meltdown if she had to be put to bed by me.
Now, she doesn’t want me to do anything for her and insists on being dressed, fed, holding hands, pushed in buggy etc - basically everything - by daddy. She frequently tries to send me away, push me out of the room and say mummy go to bed etc. I know it’s all part of the phase but it’s just making me miserable and like a failure as a mum and honestly, like I won’t cope with having two or be any good at it. I can’t tell anyone as I don’t want pity but just hate feeling like this and being so unable to cope with it. I know things will change even more when the baby comes and that this is possibly affecting her behaviour, she is quite switched on for her age so I reckon she has some awareness.
Would be great to hear of any other similar experiences, and not just those who think getting a break is brilliant (it can have upsides, but I’d still much rather be able to look after my daughter properly!). I just want my little girl back!