We have run into a dilemma in our house lately that is really upsetting my dh. My dd prefers me. She is 2 1/2 and her big brothers are into Daddy right now big time. That does not hurt my feelings because he is a great role model and great with them and I know they love me. My dd, meantime, does not want anything to do with Daddy unless she is forced. If she is made to be with Daddy she has a great time and it isn't a question of her not loving him, but I think she has figured out how to push his buttons.

I know part of this is my own making and I feel so badly for that. She is my baby so that is a special bond, she is my only girl so again, another special bond. Then, when I almost didn't get to be in her life when she was a baby, that sort of made me grow closer to her even more. Again, another reason for a special bond. I am close to my boys, too, so I know it isn't that.

Don't get me wrong, she spends time with her Daddy so I can go work out, go to the grocery store, whatever, but lately, she is taking it to extremes telling him, "I am a Mommy's girl!" or "Only Mommy can help me go potty!" At first it was a cute joke, but now it is really hurting my dh not to mention wearing me out! At church today she would only let me hold her!! (Our nursery was closed today.) I have told her not to do that, but she has figured it out. I know she is not doing it maliciously, but how would you get her to stop? They have done Daddy/dd days and outings and stuff like that, but she still prefers me.

The boys did too at 2, but not like this at all!

It sounds to me like she doing it for attention. I'd really play it down and ignore it when she starts with the "Mommy's girl." Pick her up or hold her, but don't comment.

Your husband shouldn't feel hurt. She's so very young! If she doesn't get a reaction out of either of you, eventually she'll stop.

Cheers, from
SwampWitch

My children have gone through cycles, it seems, when they choose one of us over the other. It IS hard, I agree. I wish I had some great advice, but we just let it run it's course, pretty much. DH would take them places when he could get them to go (literally, we have had ours refuse to go with him if I wasn't going, too!), and over time, they went back to either going to us both equally, or even swinging the other way to JUST Daddy is good enough!! MaryGrace is 2 1/2, and tonight, she is IN BED with her daddy!!! She knew that HE would give in to her....so doing some of those "rotten" things might help, too! LOL

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completely normal for this age. she is becoming aware that she is more like mommy, meaning a girl. the boys will do this with dad. I only have girls, but it will get better. my older girls seem to have a slight preferance with me but it's not like it is for 3 yr old dd. shw only wants mommy. she had a screaming fit b/c I went to the store and missed the Barney song. she refused to dance with anyone. it is normal for same sex child/parent. my neighbors son also 2 1/2 is the same way with daddy.
I do know Dr Phil has talked about this on his show. I know my dh was wondering what was up until we saw it on Dr phil. sorry, I don't remember how he explained it but it just made complete sense. maybe you can check his website.

allgirls

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allgirls, mom to 3 girls

This is totaly normal. Dont worry it will slowly go away. Both my dd's do this from time to time. IT hurts dh's feelings but he understands.

Thanks. I know this is normal because the other two (both boys) did it, too. You are right, Jennifer, it has changed where only Daddy is good enough. But this is different. I don't know if it is a girl thing or what.

As far as my dh getting his feelings hurt, he didn't at first, but he is a sensitive sort of guy and it has really taken its toll. It is sort of embarrassing, too, in a way, when she refuses to go to Daddy at church and, in fact, squeals to stay with Mommy.

We do ignore it. She didn't want to go shopping with Daddy last week until she actually was made to go and had a great time.

My youngest dd would actually scream and throw a tantrum and try to get out of the house at that age if I went out of the house with out her!!! I would try to sneak out and dh would put the chain on the door so she could not escape!!!

She out grew it!!! She is a fine well adjusted 13 yr old!!! Luckily, my dh had very thick skin about it!!!

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~Happiness is a large family~