My sister-in-law has a 14 month old and she will not go to Mommy. She will go to everyone else but not her. My sister-in-law is a great mommy, she still breastfeeds her daughter and is super fun and loving. She does have to work almost 50 hours a week and only really gets time with her daughter on weekends.
But still, why is this...
I PROMISE that this is a phase. Enjoy it while she wants someone else, because the tables will turn and you will be the ONLY one she wants. Babies do this back and forth from birth until forever. *hugs*
14 months is an age where kids start trying out their independence. She may feel safe knowing that mom is close by, so she's free to explore. Who really knows why kids choose their preferences? With my first son I worked full-time- he was and still is a mama's boy. With my second, I stayed home full-time- he was and still is a mama's boy. With my third (19 months old) I'm still home full-time- he was and still is a daddy's boy. I'm sure your niece still loves her mom!
I have seen SO many toddlers go through this phase! Both my boys did, but especially my first. For a long time he didn't want me (and I am a stay at home mom) and for a time he didn't want my husband. It was just whoever he picked for that phase. But eventually he came back around and we are all very securely attached!
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It's probably just a phase. When my work hours changed, my son became very clingy with his daddy, to the point of saying "I don't want mommy". He didn't have the words to say that he was mad at me for working more, but he got over it really quickly.
Kids are quirky and just when you think you have them figured out, they up and change!
i think cause its who makes them feel safe my 2 yr old has done the same thing with me since i have started working its brother over me. its like a security blanket thing
I also believe this is just a phase, unless she has always reacted this way to mommy. I don't think it has anything to do with the 50 hour work week. Mothers all over the United States are working many hours, and this complaint rarely comes up. With my oldest son, I was away for work over 40 hours each week plus a sizable commute. We still breastfed exclusively, and he and I worshiped each other every moment we got. The nice thing was that he was also very content to be in other people's laps! If your SIL is nursing, her baby is going to her for something. This bond is important, and continuing to nurse right now is a good idea. I bet this will pass.
I think it has to do with "who plays with her".
