Daughter Runs from Dad

My 2 1/2 year old is doing the exact same thing. Last night when my husband and daugther came home I was still at work. She sat outside the house and screamed - I want my mommy, I don't like Daddy any more. She does this too if she wants something in the middle of the night (lucky him :). But if he leaves, she asks "Where did Daddy go? Is he coming back?". I am always like - you just said you didn't like him, why would he stay.

I assume this is a phase that everyone goes through. I hope for my sleep sake it changes quick!!!!

It's her ROUTINE now! LOL The only way it will stop/change is if her routine is changed.

At 2 she's trying to figure her world out. Its seems like she has made up a fun routine for her to know and accept that Daddy is home. I use the term accept because it is a change in her enviroment and the motions helps her anticipate what she is going to do next and what the proper response to that change is. As long as she is still greeting him in a positive manner and shows positive body and expressive language, I would stick with "just being 2" :)

It's a harmless game she likes playing. It will pass. My daughters thing is to want a hug whenever I turn on the microwave-she's not really scared of it-she just wants a hug real quick before the bell dings. And she plays hard to get sometimes with my husband-who she ADORES. And my son loves to scurry away every time I walk into a room like we're playing chase. Since they get along just fine once they connect-no need to worry. It's a ritual she likes to go through. Crazy kids!

J. A It sounds to me like she is just saying her good byes to you before she is going to spend time with Daddy. It is so nice that they spend that quality time together, it is also a nice break for you. Just becareful with the evaluating thing that you dont go overboard. You are gonna want her to be able to have some self entertainment time and if you are constantly providing her with entertainment to keep her happy she will not learn how to keep her self entertained. Good Luck and keep up the good work.

Hi J.,

I have a two year old girl and I agree with the other response. She is also probably waiting for you to say "hug daddy" because it's part of a routine. My daughter used to ignore my husband when he walked in the door and then would warm up to him after a few minutes. I think she was just under 2 years then. So, I know they do funny things sometimes but really it sounds normal.

sounds like she wants to first give you a hug so you know your loved and then she feels free to hug and be with her dad.

don't worry, if she wouldn't at all go to him then that's a problem

My 2.5 year old does something similar. When Daddy gets home, sometimes she will jump on the couch and hide under a pillow. They have the *best* relationship too. I think what they could be shying away from is the grand reaction and the amount of excitement associated with Daddy coming home. I know I tend to make a big deal out of it by gasping, "Daddy's home!!!! Yaaaaaaaaay!!!!" Then the Golden Retriever starts going nuts, grabs a toy, thumps his tail on everything he passes. I think it's just too much to process. :) My little one tends to be on the shy side anyway. Since toning things down, I've noticed she feels more comfortable. Try it and let me know how it goes!

C.
www.daisybows.com
http://thepurplepear.etsy.com

Sounds to me like it's a new game. If she's not showing any signs of fear or shyness at any other time, then it's a new game she made up when you say "Daddy's home".

Some kids go through this. Totally normal. I don't think there's any particular reason. Don't take offense. With mine I would just toss my child in Dad's arms and if they fussed then Dad would just laugh and hug some more. It'll pass!

K. B
mom to 5 including triplets

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HarrisburgPAChat
Chat and events, within 2 hour radius

i cant say as i have experienced this , sorry - but i wonder if making it a game - like a hide and seek type thing - she can hide and when daddy gets home he (and you) can find her and then everyone gets hugs!

just a thought!
S. w.

Hi J.! You need to relax! If you are consitantly looking for problems or issues you will find them where they don't exist. Daddy is a daughter's first "love" she wants him to persue her!! She is playing "hard to get" and it's part of the father/daughter thing. I've seen all three of my girls do this at one point or another between the ages of 2 and 5. Enjoy your time now and all those hugs...you don't get as many when they become teens!! Best wishes.