My 11 month old son won't go to his father. If we are in the same room(me the baby and his daddy) and I walk out of it he will follow me screaming even though his dad is there. If he picks the baby up and the baby sees me he will put out his arms and start crying. How do I get my 11 month old to warm up to his father? I feel really bad. He is with me all the time, but it isn't like I hold him all day long or something. It's like he just doesn't want anything to do with his father. And it makes him feel unwanted. How do I change this.
your son will relate with you at this age because you are the "primary" care taker. this is a stage and will pass, slowly, but it will pass. In the meantime, you have to reassure your husband that there will come a time that his little buddy will follow him around and want to be just like him. At 11 months they dont have any gender identification. My son is now 6, still a momma's boy, but runs around everywhere with dad now. Took him till he was about four. MOST OF ALL, dont press the issue and try to push him to dad..instead draw him there passivly. Both of you take him to the park, while hes ingaged in activity you, mom, walk over to a bench and sit down..let dad play. your still around but taking a backseat to their time together. try to incorp. this into bath time and feedinfg time..etc. good luck god knows ive been there
Kids naturally like their mommy's better. However, sometimes, they'll want to hang out with daddy, too - what you need to do is discuss the issue with his father, encourage him to spend time with the baby (well, toddler at this point) and play silly games - peekaboo, etc, to make sure the child feels safe & secure around him.
If your son has any toys he likes, try to get his dad to play with those & him together, the more his dad can connect with him (make him laugh, etc, things that form a bond) then the more likely he'll have a more balanced approach with both of you later on.
Hope this helps.
Best,
thedude
Dear moodychic1984, Begin by all 3 of you spending time together. There must never be any harsh words or anything physical if front of your child. This may take a bit but once the child feels that you trust the father and you are comfortable around him the baby should relax a bit more. Children will pick up the slightest mood changes and fear among the adults. Never force him to be alone with the father if he doesn't want to be. Your good modeling with the father will help with the situation. Sue...good luck
It's natural for your kid to prefer you at that age. My littlest sister would scream if my Mom left the room, and barely acknowledge my Dad when he tried to pick her up and comfort her. It's not that he doesn't like his Dad, it's that he likes you more. At that age, kids' lives revolve around their needs, and a relationship with his dad isn't a need at that age. Don't worry, he'll definitely grow to love his dad.
