How to cope with toddler having parental preference

[BlueRose22]

Does anyone have any advice at all on strategies to help or improve the balance again for parental preference in toddlers at all? We’re both really struggling for different reasons of course and just need a little help, does this go on for long or will it level out again eventually?
TIA

I'd say the main thing is to remember it's totally normal and I'd say all of them do it. It doesn't mean they love the parent they are rejecting less, and for the parent who feels claustrophobic just breathe and accept this is what they need right now. What helped us was buying a new special interest book that only daddy read at bedtimes (my son was rejecting dad for bath and bedtime). I read a boring book. It has eased, but both of mine "prefer" me. I know as they get older that will change.

Your kid will flip preferences repeatedly. (If you want to accelerate the process, whichever parent is the least favoured should take them for the whole day) It's really hard when they're little and you want to help them and they just scream at you to go away, but it does calm down a bit after a while. My dc is 4 and still has preferred-parent phases. I try to enjoy the cuddles when I'm favourite and the independence when I'm not.

It lasted for a few years for my firstborn and I will always be grateful that dh never for a second took it personally. He just worked on supporting me and the dc as best he could and giving me a break as much as possible. I hope I'd have done the same if he was the preferred parent but I'm not sure I wouldn't have taken it personally!

My eldest has a huge preference for me and basically always has. He was a covid baby who suffered from multiple allergies so was quite poorly as a baby and comfort fed from me alot. He still has a preference for me but is easier to communicate with now so will do stuff with dad.
My youngest is absolutely all about dad. Has a meltdown if he tries to go to the toilet. I don't take it personally as I know he loves me and I am capable of handling him although first thing in the morning g I will try and avoid the tantrum to stop him waking his brother.

Pp advice about the non favourite having a day together is a good idea.