Help with Relationship

I would suggest finding a class of some sort that the two of them can enjoy together. Maybe something thru the park district? My husband travels a lot, and while my daughter is a total daddy's girl, it is really nice for them to have their own special time together without me in the picture. Right now they are in a Saturday morning parent/child art class and love it. The session ends in a few weeks, and they've decided the next class will be a sports related one.

In my opinion, your husband and daughter need to figure things out together, without your intervention. Your intentions may be good, but the interference may be adding to the stress level. An hour alone together is a class setting, where they have to work together on projects will give them the opportunity to do it.

Good luck!

I think it's mostly up to him, honestly. He doesn't need to "force it" but he does need to initiate it. Have him take her out for a "date night." My daughter is almost 3 and loves going on a date with Daddy- out to dinner or for ice cream or a trip to the comic book shop. Also, what can be something he can take over responsibility for with her? Can he put her to bed a few nights each week? Maybe have a special part of the bedtime routine- like reading to her? Bonding happens with everyday interactions, too. Does he get down on the floor and play with her? Color with her? Play games? He has to figure out what he wants and work to make it happen...

I definitely agree with Liz. He doesn't need to force it. And if it doesn't go yet, then don't get frustrated. Children are uber-sensitive to that, regardless of whether it is presented or kept hidden. She won't want to go to someone who she does not feel safe with, and she probably doesn't understand what she senses from him yet. If an adult is easily frustrated, a child will not be fully comfortable around that person. That is not to say that any ill intentions are even present. It is about the child's comfort level and feeling of safety. Maybe some nights just mommy, daddy, and lil one can read a favorite book of hers. Have daddy make a small snack plate of food that he likes, but knows that she loves and can't resist. Let her 'sneak' a piece or two and then have daddy catch her on the third piece with a little tickle or hair tease and gently, jokingly chide 'aww, you snuck a piece of daddy's snack' with a good laugh. Something similar to that is what happened with my niece and her grandpa. My kids like to do that with us too. Make it a totally relaxing night (evening, morning, whatever may work best for you) with no worrying about anything except just wanting to absolutely enjoy the moment.

Hellol! Does your husband spend alot of tiem with the kids? I know that with mine, he works 2nd shift and is not there alot and tends to nag alot, which I have talked to him about. More nagging then nice stuff. It has gotten better, but still needs work. Anyhow, what about talking to your husband and seeing if maybe like one day a week, he can spend some quality time with this daughter, just the two of them doing something fun and memorable? THat was suggested to me with my husband and girls. I hope that this might be of some help to you. I know how fristerating this can be.

S. Bailey CLD
Aurora
www.tendermomentsdoula.com