Behavior Issue with 15 Month Old

Not enough information here...do you work outside the home? Maybe she is sad about not seeing you often and is trying to let you know through her behavior.

Also, my two daughters went through this: they went through a "Daddy Stage." I didn't make a big deal of it at all when I was around my husband; I would just go about my normal activity. Pretty soon, (sometimes days) they would start loving on me. Don't make a big deal of it or you will draw negative attention to it. When she realizes that it is not a big deal to you, and that it is perfectly all right to love Daddy too, then she will eventually want to show affection to you as well. Right now she might think she has to hold on that much tighter to him or you will take her away.

The same thing happened to me when my daughter was younger. I thought it was because my husband had taken care of her more since I had been in a terrible car accident. I went several months without being able to hold her since both my arm were fractured. Well,it turned out that it was just a phase. She is 18 months now and is sooo clingy to me. She refuses to have my husband get her out of the crib in the mornings and insists that I change her diapers, carry her into the car, etc. My husband is so hurt but I tell him that it is just a phase. I was told that all children go through phases. One minute they prefer mom and the next minute it's all about dad.

M.,

I don't know that I have much advice, but I can tell you you're not alone. My 14-month old has always preferred my husband to anyone, including me. She will shove away from me to try to get to him. When we're at home, I try to spend time with her when he's not around, or I'll ask him to go into another room. My family is completely aware of her preferences, so no one is surprised when she is crying for him even though I'm holding her.

Try not to get your feelings too hurt. Maybe they'll go through a mommy phase, too, at some point.

Hi M.,
My 20 month old has done the same thing....several different times. It seems to come and go---even within the same day at times--but at times it went on for what seemed to be several days or weeks. You never know who she will prefer.....they are mysterious lil' beings. :-)

Hang in there,
K.

I agree your issue can be embarassing. As a suggestion maybe some bonding time would help the situation. I think doing some things together without Dad may help. There are programs like Mommy toddler gymnastics, dance, other sports, etc. I hope this helps. Good luck.

it is common for kids to go through a "Daddy" stage or "Mommy" stage....it's a security thing and has nothing to do with you...my kids both went through it and it's totally normal. This too shall pass! Cheers,
T.

Its just a crazy kid thing..they change there minds as much or more than adults. My daughter will favor one of us and then neither and be more intrested in the dog...just hang in there eventually things will level out some and with age comes the ability to listen and they start liking to be held by both parents again.

My 3 year old son does this too. I stay home with him and my younger son and my husband works full time. Whenever my husband is around or especially when we go out, it's like my son is totally against having me around. He will only let my husband hold him and to take it even further, I can't even unstrap him from his carseat. If I try, he starts to throw a fit and I have to stand back and let my husband do it. When we were at the mall yesterday, my son wouldn't even let me push the stroller with him in it. I know how you feel. I totally understand that since dad isn't around as often that it is considered special when he is. That is what everyone tells me. But I totally understand how it feels when your child treats you like a stange babysitter or something. My advice is to just take advantage of the fact that she wants her daddy and you can take a break. She will just grow out of it. That is what I have had to come to terms with. Trust me, I totally understand.

R.