Daughter only wants dad
Show your support
Also it’s ok to hold a boundary too - if you’ve decided you are bathing her that night for example (not sure how practical that is right now but just an example) and she wants Dad… you can hold the boundary of tonight mummy is bathing you. Show empathy, I know you would like Daddy, I think he’s great too. Should we play with your boat or fish. Let Dad then help post bath or something if she has really wanted him but she knows then just because she is screaming for Dad it won’t always get her what she wants and also you can stand her refusal of you and aren’t going to leave her. It might take weeks or months but she will embrace you again. Give her a chance for 1-1 time if possible. Even 5 mins to read a book, even if she doesn’t want to sit with you. Just still be there and willing. Try to let her overhear things when talking to your baby such as wow your sister is so smart etc. And be kind to yourself!
@Lauren thank you so much that is all really helpful and put it into perspective. I know she won’t be like it forever. She did let me bath her earlier without complaining which was nice x
My now 4 year old is the same, has been since about 18months. I’ve got used to it now, it’s heartbreaking at times she’s even said on a few occasions I don’t love you I only want daddy. I think as mums we are often the less fun parent, cleaning cooking whilst the dads are all play. That’s the case I think in our house hold anyway. Sometimes it does have its benefits 😂 she only wants daddy to do bedtime and that’s ok with me! I think the older they get the more they will understand the role of mum more.
This is tough (and a fear of mine, have a girl and due in 6 weeks) but I think you have to remember you are also in the thick of postpartum and hormones/emotions are heightened. Your toddler is not rejecting you and like many things this will be just be a phase and it’s natural/understandable after a big change for them to try and control things in the only way they can which is saying no. Parental preference phases are completely normal too and that’s without the added change of a sibling. Try not to let your emotional worth rest on this. It doesn’t feel nice but you have to try and not take it personally. She’s trying to control what she can which again is normal for toddlers. Just keep showing up for her without any pressure. Offer hugs/help, she may say no again and again but one day it’ll change. Give her space but let her know you are there without any expectation from her. She doesn’t hate you. It will pass and she will go through a mummy phase again.