I think because you are home with her more, she naturally seeks you out for cuddles, comfort, etc.
Like someone else suggested, maybe when he is home, let them do things alone together. Good luck!

It’s not unusual for kids to see one of the parents as default parents simply because they’re continuous there. Often this changes over time. I agree, let dad really make effort to spend one on one time when he’s there and organise daddy dates.

My youngest is like that and my husband doesn’t go away for work. It is inevitable that you are the dafault parent. Maybe your husband and child can share an activity that is exclusive to them, such as a bubbacino outing or reading a special book.

Maybe, when he is at home, try to leave for a couple of hours to be with friends or shop so the two of them get to bond by themselves at home.

Maybe he can buy her a new toy or a craft box and when she goes to you to play it with her, tell her you don’t know how and it’s only daddy who knows how.

=)

She is still very young and it will take time for her to understand that he has to go away for work. Give it time and she will grow to value you both equally.

She will get there in time. My daughter has always been a mummy’s girl, she wouldn’t have a bar of dad when she was younger. And she is still a mummy’s girl but as she has grown she has a lot of love to give to her dad as well.

Yes I know this all to well ,but try let them have time alone while he’s home ,there be a time when all she wants is her Dad .good luck

Of course she will prefer you – you are the constant in her life. If you partner sulks, then he is not helping himself. Maybe Daddy could take her on some fun outings, or give her some special treats. They need to be able to spend quality time together but with you to be accessible.

Your suggestions have helped immensely in such a short space of time Thank you so much for your advice everyone

I agree with what MOM93821 has stated. I would of said something very similar.

Also; sit with your partner and discuss and acknowledge his feelings; however get him to understand why this occurring. Rather than him being upset; get him to work on some of the suggestions. The bonus is he will not have time to be upset!

As you are the main care giver this is only natural. I would suggest your partner do the things you usually do when he is home. Then she will get used this routine when he is home. Also; children go through stages of being involved with each parent. Also some individual play time at home is a good idea.

As you are always there is makes sense that you are the one that your daughter turns to. I’m sure that it will turn at some point as she gets older

You are the consistent, always present parent. It is natural that she comes to you. Even if her were working regular hours coming home daily you would still be the primary parent. If the roles were reversed it would be the same. It would not matter how old she is either, babies/children do have one parent that they rely on for their needs. When he is home do you leave him with her and go off for several hours and leave him to parent? Does he bath her? read her bedtime stories? When he is away she can be encouraged to kiss daddy goodnight to a photo. Make her a little album of photographs of her family. When he is due home, have a big build up for when Daddy will be home! Count how many sleeps before daddy is home. Mark them off on a calender! Does he phone and talk to her or sing to her when he is away? Do you Skype? When he is home make the big effort to not be the go to person, direct her to Daddy. Start by asking her to give daddy something, a magazine, anything, just to break the ice. She is so little and she has to adjust to him being there. Does he have daddy dates with her? take her to a park or whatever to build that trust, that he can do what mummy does .
I wish you well!

Thanks guys, these sound like great suggestions, I hope they work, if not it’ll at least give me some time out

I’m with GEEKMUM book tickets for the Zoo pack their lunches and your daughters backpack and leave them to it. They will have a ball. Make Saturday’s their day together. You take yourself out have some fun with your family and friends. Shopping and hair dresser appointments should be fun having not to worry about being there for both of them give yourself a break and give him time to parent. Grab a movie at night as well so Daddy has to put her to bed and then there is no confusion about her and his needs. It’s time you got a break as well being there 24/7 is a hard job too. When you come home from the movies remember to bring home a ChocTop for him too! Best of luck!

Maybe they could organise some special daddy daughter one-on-one outings like going to a park/playground together, feeding some ducks, going out for a babychino. Depending on where you live an animal park, zoo or aquarium type trip. Might help build up some extra bonding if there’s a constant daddy daughter date to look forward to and be a special thing just for them.