Dad rejection

[RW0]

I weaned my 18 month old a month ago. He always fell asleep on the boob and needed mommy (boob) for comfort. He loves daddy, playing, sitting in his van, going outside and tickles etc, but recently completely rejects him ALL the time and will only come to me for everything. Obviously this is exhausting for me but dad is starting to get quite upset and frustrated that he can no longer settle him or get him to sleep. Even play time is minimal now he just needs me constantly. Is this something to do with the weaning? But how do we make it better for dad? It’s so hard for both of us. Me having to be 100% 100% if the time and dad permanently rejected…

Best thing you can do is go away for periods.

I had this with my partner, and that was the solution - time with just them.

Often kids will be desperate for a parent if they know they are there, but once they are gone, and they know they are gone, they will be lovely and slowly begin to work with the other parent.

Make sure every week, or weekend, you are building in time (not just 30 minutes or an hour) but extended time when your husband takes charge, and is on his own and responsible for his child. Let him take him out for longer periods and start to get them to have a relationship that is independent from you. Also try getting some toys that are "daddy toys", e.g. cars etc. so that he has a reason to go to dad. "oh sorry, that is a daddy toy, he can play with you" - etc. gives him a reason to seek out dad.

The first post nailed it.
The only solution is more 1 on 1 time with Dad. (Mum has to not be there at all).
Many kids go through this, some of mine have. The key is always to build the relationship.

Well do you have your child all the time yourself

Totally agree. They need at least half a day a week when they’re alone together. DS will learn to trust DH again and DH will learn techniques that settle DS without you being there.