"I feel like I don't exist, she just cries for daddy!"

It’s not uncommon for toddlers to go through a very pronounced daddy phase, where mom is pushed aside and cries for daddy drown mom out of the equation. 

It can be completely off-putting to any mother, whether she is the main caregiver or one with working-mom guilt. The good news is, it’s a totally natural part of a child’s development. 

The daddy phase is a situation all too familiar to this frustrated Parent24 reader, whose little daughter is all about daddy at the moment.

Also read: The daddy phase: when mom feels left out

Here's her heart-felt letter:

"Hello,                   

"I have a 2½-year-old daughter that prefers spending time with her father more than with me. When he is not home, she plays with me and we have a great connection but as soon as he gets home, I feel like I don't exist.

"She does not let me tie her hair, change her clothes, give her a bath, feed her, nothing. I have always felt sad when she would do that but never really reacted. I would simply let my husband do all those things and act like it's fine.

"Today we were about to leave the house and her hair needed to be tied. She wouldn't let me do it and it really got to me to the point that I raised my voice at her. I told her that she need to let me tie her hair and do other things and not just her dad. Of course, she starts crying, running over to him shouting, 'daddy, daddy!'

"Also, when we go over to grandma's house, same thing. She lets her dress her, feed her, but won't let me. The only time she is good with me is when we are alone. She is a different child when we are alone and it makes me so sad and mad at the same time when she changes as soon as her father or grandma is around.

"It's embarrassing as well! Yesterday I tried to clean her nose and she said, “No, Grandma clean [my] nose,” so I said okay and I let her clean it. 

"Thank you, I just had to share this with someone who I hope understands."

We do! Oh how we do. Yes we know it's a phase, and we're so happy that our kids forge a strong bond with their dads, but man it still hurts to feel rejected!

Can you relate? How did you get through your child's daddy phase? Share your experience, tips and tricks with us by emailing to chatback@parent24.com and we could publish your letter. Do let us know if you'd like to stay anonymous.  

Read more: 

• The daddy phase: when mom feels left out 
• Is my toddler jealous of the new baby? 
• Why your toddler needs your help to fall asleep  
  

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