How do I get my son to like his father?

I am no expert but I have read that when a child needs that sense of security, the more you try to push them away, the more they will try to get it, so try not to force it- though I realize how tough it is to never be able to go anywhere alone! I’m in a similar boat but for other reasons. Does he enjoy spending time with his father when you are all together? Because I’d work on that first. Finally, my son adores his father (my husband), but will still tantrum when I leave him alone with him when he gets tired. When he’s tired or not feeling well, he only wants mommy and that just is what it is for now, but I still have to leave him with dad sometimes.

On the other hand, it could be that if we left the babies more often with their dads, then perhaps they’d get used it?

My son was like that as well. What I did was have his dad hold him next to me while I talked to our son. It was hard at first but he slowly realized the comfort in both of us. We did this sitting down. Standing up never worked but sitting down seemed to slowly get to where he is comfortable now to be comfort and help by his dad as well. All babies are different but hopefully this can give you and idea to start. I hope it helps

I agree with spending quality time all together so he can build a positive relationship with his dad while you (his safe person) is in the same room. Then once he’s having a good time you can start to leave the room for short periods and he can see he is still safe. But yes, my little one (8 months) loves his dad but if he’s tired then he only wants me and that’s pretty normal at this young age

I get the struggle. My son is 26 months old and he’s just recently started to ask my husband for cuddles and even falling asleep in his arms. But even still there are still many times when he only wants me or he starts screaming and crying 🥲. It’s hard. I don’t think it means they don’t like their father. It’s just in those moments some kids really need their mommies for comfort. and I did realize like someone else mentioned that the more I try to make my son try to stay with my husband when he wants me, the more angry and upset he will get. So although we always look for opportunities for son and dad time, we try not to push it when he doesn’t want to

My son is almost 15 months and it has only been the last month or two that he wants to hangout with dad.

I think what really helped was when my son is in a good mood and playing well with my husband while I’m cooking or something, my husband will do things with him that I don’t usually do with him or can’t do with him like rough housing. He has so much fun and the accumulation of positive interactions with dad slowly helped the transition. But still a work in progress

Don’t put too much work into it honestly. Ur boy will feel the stress and pressure and all your efforts will get ruined Just involve dad in play times and jokes and being silly together Eventually you babe will run to dad for tickles and laughs and hugs Let it all happen naturally. Xoxo

I wanted to avoid this with my children since at the time their father and I were working opposite shifts so I made sure that everything was 50-50. We both did bedtime. We both did diaper changes. We both fed the baby. It wasn’t just on one person all the time. We do the same with my daughter.

I had this! And it really caused arguments because my husband felt like he was only here to pay bills. He started feeding him his tea time meal and since then he’s been so much better. And he’s also been having better sleep in the day which helps all round

You can't force a relationship. His father has to bond with him and play with him and do things with him.... My husband works a lot. But he has been very present and very active in playing and interacting and helping with our son. And so he's always happy to see Dad when Dad gets home from work .... Or if dad is home and he comes into the room.... His little face lights up .

Dads have to be present and active with their kids , but for every kid it may be different. Some it takes a bit for them to lose the mom preference all the time and like both parents. At 10 months, either of you could help with feeding some solids, in addition to whatever milk option you are giving. Or he could help with bath time.

Find an activity that he likes to do and get his dad involved. And then with time, and slowly try to decrease the time you stay and play with them, just let him know as well that you’re going to do something else. Just say things like “Mummy is going to the toilet, you stay with your dad and mummy will be back” - then wait about 5 minutes to come back, and then increase that to 10 minutes, and then try to stay away for as long as possible. They’ll eventually learn to be okay to be away from you for a while.

@Valeria he only enjoys his father for a few minutes at a time when we are all together, he really doesn't enjoy anyone else but his big brother other than me

@Linka aww I see :/

@Amber I've been a sahm since my oldest was born and when it comes to them I do almost all that stuff all the time so I'm sure that definitely plays a part in it

@Valeria I do think he might eventually grow out of it bc the older he gets the more ok he's starting to seem with his father it's not much but some days do seem better than others and I do try to take advantage of those times lol