Toddler Prefers Mom or Dad? Tips for Handling

Together with

"Mothers are like glue. Even when you can't see them, they're still holding the family together."

- Susan Gale

Good Morning Mommy! Friday's here, and if you're reading this, it means you survived the Great Turkey Day Chaos of 2023. #MomWins! If you're not already elbows deep in pie for breakfast, let’s cook up some fun!

Today’s Mommy scoop:

• Kiddo only wants Mom (or Dad)?

• Stuffed Animal Hack

• Mac and Cheese, but make it fancy. 🧀🥦

• DIY: Stamped fall trees 🍂

Share a secret language with your kiddo and form a unique bond 🤫🌍- MosaLingua

The Family Circus

What to do when your baby or toddler only wants Mom (or Dad)

Ever felt like your little one has a favorite parent, and it's not you?

Or maybe you're the constant center of their universe, and you're feeling a tad overwhelmed?

Let’s dive deep and uncover why this happens and how to handle it.

Why Might Your Child Favor One Parent? 

Kids, especially babies and toddlers, tend to prefer one parent over the other sometimes. Here's why:

• They're more familiar with one parent, especially if they spend more time with them.

• They see one parent less often, making that parent seem novel and exciting.

• Breastfed babies often lean more towards mom.

And guess what? It's normal! It's not about one parent being superior. It's just a phase in their ever-evolving development.

When Does This Parent Preference Start? 

Sooner than you'd think! From their early weeks, babies are often more attracted to maternal smells and features.

This is particularly true if mom is the primary caregiver initially.

Parent Favoritism: Tips to Handle It

1. It's Not About You: Don't take it personally. Your kiddo's current preference isn't a reflection of your parenting prowess or their love for you. These phases change.

2. Acknowledge but Stand Firm: Yes, validate their feelings, but don't let their whims dictate everything. Remember, consistency is key, and setting boundaries is crucial for their growth.

3. 1-on-1 Time for the Other Parent: Try to give the non-favored parent quality time with the baby. Maybe the 'fave' parent can take that much-needed break while the other bonds with the child.

4. Celebrate Differences: Each parent has their own style. Embrace it! It teaches kids adaptability and exposes them to diverse ways of doing things.

5. Share the Routine: Integrate both parents into daily rituals. This gradual integration can help dilute any strong preferences and show that both parents can be fun and caring.

Closing Thoughts: Remember, every child, parent, and family dynamic is unique. There's no one-size-fits-all answer.

So, while you might be feeling like the "second best" parent or perhaps overwhelmed being the "chosen one" today, these roles can reverse in a blink!

Hang in there and maybe use this as an excuse for that extra piece of chocolate tonight – you deserve it! 😉🍫

Keep reading here.

Together with MosaLingua

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Mom's Mic: This Week’s Poll 🎤 

Poll Results From 11/22

What's your approach towards your child's nutrition?

 🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Strictly organic (8%)

🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ Balanced diet (26%)

🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Flexitarian (15%)

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Standard child food (9%)

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 They eat what I eat (42%)

Featured Response 😊 

Mom Hack

Freeze Difficult-To-Wash Stuffed Animals and Pillows to Kill Dust Mites or Pests

Mom Hack

Got a beloved stuffie that's a no-go in the wash?

Toss it in a freezer bag and freeze for at least 24 hours.

It's a fab way to kick those dust mites to the curb.

Mom’s Menu

Roasted Garlic and Cauliflower Mac and Cheese🧀🥦

Imagine a Mac & Cheese that's not just a treat for your tastebuds, but also packed with veggies.

Let's dive into this healthier, roasted garlic and cauliflower version that even the kids will adore! 💛

📝Ingredients

• 3 to 4 large garlic cloves (not peeled)

• 1 small cauliflower (in small florets)

• 2 tsp olive oil

• Kosher salt

• 8 ounces pasta (shells, fusilli, elbow or your fav!)

• 3/4 cup milk (your choice)

• 1/4 cup cream cheese (or non-dairy alternative)

• 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional, but oh so creamy!)

👩‍🍳Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Prep a sheet pan with parchment paper.

2. Toss garlic & cauliflower with olive oil and salt on the sheet pan. Roast until golden, about 25-30 minutes.

3. While they’re roasting, get your pasta cooked and ready.

4. After roasting, peel garlic and blend with cauliflower, milk, and cream cheese until you get a creamy sauce. Season as needed.

5. Pour the sauce over your cooked pasta, mix well, and heat a little if needed.

6. Optional: To make Baked Mac & Cheese, transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle cheese, and broil until browned. Yum!

📌Note

• Go dairy-free! Opt for unsweetened almond milk and cheese alternatives like Kite Hill or Daiya.

• Boost it with Banza chickpea pasta or toss spaghetti in the sauce with some Parmesan.

• Want more veggies? Add peas, broccoli, or even leftover roasted cauliflower!

• Remember: Golden-brown roasting is the secret for that intensified flavor kids love.

There you have it, mamas! A delightful twist to the classic Mac & Cheese.

Perfect for those days when you want comfort food but with a healthier edge.

Enjoy and let those kiddos dig in! 💖🍴🥳

Full recipe here.

Daily DIY (Kids Edition)

Leaf Stamping Fall Tree

Embrace autumn colors with an ingenious fall tree craft using toilet paper rolls.

Younger ones might need help with the cutting, but they'll adore stamping and painting!

A printout of a tree and some paint are the keys to a beautiful fall creation.

The tutorial is here.

Mom’s Choice

I’m usually an audiobook gal, but The Nightingale had me hooked to the pages.

The blend of historical truth within a captivating story was really great.

It’s a lovely escape that’s worth every minute, especially when you want to savor the narrative.

The Nightingale

Game

Mama Knows Best: True or False?

Babies can see colors as well as adults can from birth.
(Answer below)

A) True

B) False

Mom’s Meme 🤣

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Answer

B) False - They begin to see colors around 3 to 4 months of age.