Ideas needed: dad bonding w/ toddler

mreinke8289 · December 2014

Moms of more than one kid, I would love your input:
With this positive pregnancy test, my concern over the level of bonding between my husband and DD has been renewed. They haven't ever connected as well as we hoped and with a new baby on the way, my 22 month old is going to need to rely on him a lot.

I need ideas on how to help them bond better before baby #2 gets here.

She kisses and hugs him good night as part of our nighttime routine but most other signs of affection from him she snubs. It hurts him a little. She obviously prefers Mom over Dad which isn't abnormal but if she can't come to some level of acceptance of him and his help, baby #2's arrival is going to be extra hard.
How can I encourage them to grow their relationship and make positive associations in the coming months? Does that make sense? Thanks in advance.

nbalkin · December 2014

My dd is 22 months also. She also is more affectionate with me and not dh. But she is also young and doesn't fully understand how to build a bond with her dad. I allow them time together with me not around. Typically if I am not there she will work better with him. But i am not going to try to push anything cause a new baby will be a big adjustment for everyone.

jesselayne8 · December 2014

You need to let him do her bath and bedtime routine by himself. Go for a walk, go to the store, etc. to get out the house and give him a chance to care for her needs. She will get used to him taking care of her and even if he doesn't do things the same way you do, it will be fine.

nbalkin · December 2014

jesselayne8 said:
You need to let him do her bath and bedtime routine by himself. Go for a walk, go to the store, etc. to get out the house and give him a chance to care for her needs. She will get used to him taking care of her and even if he doesn't do things the same way you do, it will be fine.

Totally agree

DaisyZH · December 2014

nbalkin said:

You need to let him do her bath and bedtime routine by himself. Go for a walk, go to the store, etc. to get out the house and give him a chance to care for her needs. She will get used to him taking care of her and even if he doesn't do things the same way you do, it will be fine.
Totally agree

I also agree, one-on-one time with her while you are not around is key.

SassetteSmurfling · December 2014

DaisyZH said:

nbalkin said:

jesselayne8 said:
You need to let him do her bath and bedtime routine by himself. Go for a walk, go to the store, etc. to get out the house and give him a chance to care for her needs. She will get used to him taking care of her and even if he doesn't do things the same way you do, it will be fine.
Totally agree

I also agree, one-on-one time with her while you are not around is key.

I agree with all of this. One on one time is so important.

mreinke8289 · December 2014

Thanks! I'll be trying to push for him to be more independent with her.

[Deleted User] · December 2014

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sourpatchkids · December 2014

Definitely have him do the routine by himself a few times a week, leave her with him to run errands, or let him take her on a daddy/daughter date once a week.

wells2010 · December 2014

My 22 month old and daughter have a great relationship. He's been watching her 1-2 days a week by himself since I went to work when she was two months old.

Have him read to her. Maybe show her things he is interested in too. DH tries to teach DD to play hockey. She wakes up every day asking where daddy is if he is not there. Melts my heart!

ETA: I confuse words

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