Looking for others' experiences with their toddler/preschooler preferring mom over dad. I feel badly for my husband because he is such a far 2nd choice to me and really has been since our son was about a year old. He's 2.5 now and still shows favorites - only wants me to read to him, play with certain toys. And is much more often frustrated with his father (we hear a lot of "no Daddy" when they play together). Last night and tonight he slapped his father on the face - something he hasn't done since he learned not to hit like a year and a half ago. I'm a SAHM, with him 24/7, nursing on demand, never put him in childcare even at the Y to work out for an hour. And we don't have family nearby, so it's not like he's used to being cared for by others. He also has big separation anxiety - started at 6 mo - even in playgroups, I can't walk out of eyesight. It's gotten a little better lately as he becomes familiar with situations (like a wkly group with same people).
My husband is so kind, patient, gentle and fun with him. He teaches 5th grade, so he has lots of energy and patience. So I don't think it's anything he is doing - other than he just isn't me. I guess I just want to know that this is normal and a phase that my son will grow out of. Or maybe when he weans from nursing it gets better (he still loves to nurse, 6-7x a day and 2-3x at night).
Deep down I feel like the whole attachment parenting will eventually lead to him being more secure, thus more independent when he's older. I just wish he would be a little nicer to his dad who tries so hard too. We are teaching manners, but just want to get at the root of the issue. Sorry this is so long. Thanks in advance for any insights!