It’s normal for toddlers to show a preference for one parent over the other. It’s their way of asserting themselves and feeling in control. As parents, we can handle this with fun, humour, and connection. But we don’t need to do what the child is demanding. Being able to reject us reflects a strong attachment. This is a positive developmental stage. So don’t take it personally.
WHAT TO DO?
✔️ Don’t show that it bothers you. It’s just a toddler acting his age.
✔️ Acknowledge your toddler’s feelings. But you don’t need to do what they’re asking.
✔️ Use humour and fun. “Ok, so if you don’t want me to sit next to you . . . can I sit on your lap?”
✔️Remember it’s a positive developmental stage. It’s more about your toddler than you.
✔️Being able to reject you reflects a strong attachment to you.
𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙩𝙤𝙙𝙙𝙡𝙚𝙧’𝙨 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙩?
🖊 @healthiest_baby
