For my daughter the words, “Do you want to spend time with Daddy?” often elicit tears and shrieks. I don’t want to say she doesn’t like me, but I’m clearly not her favorite parent. In fact, there are times when it seems like she’d rather be alone than have me in the room at all.
That’s not to say there aren’t times when we’re buddies. If she’s napped well during the day and my wife isn’t around, she’ll play with me, dance with me, and genuinely enjoy herself. But if she’s tired or Mommy is an option at all, she usually wants me to keep my distance.
Of course, this isn’t the case 100% of the time. When she’s in a good mood she’ll laugh and play with me for hours, especially if I’m willing to pick her up and toss her in the air or swing her around. Even then, though, I’m really the B-string parent – she’s definitely Mommy’s girl.
Charlie Brooks 