Has your toddler ever called someone else 'dad'? How did you handle it?

reelaxfish

Little back story. My soon‑to‑be ex‑wife had multiple affairs (at once) and got pregnant by one of them when my daughter was six months old. After I said I wanted a divorce, she moved out (in with this guy). Fast forward: my daughter is now two. I had to do a pick‑up with the alleged baby‑DADDY, and after they got back in the car my daughter said, “by dad.” I know she’s two and doesn’t really know any better; she doesn’t mean it and won’t remember him since he’s on his way out. But has something like this happened to anyone else? How did you cope and correct a child at this age? I told her that he was not her dad, but of course she’s two, so… Hearing that literally crushed me and I still don’t feel right about it. My ex said she didn’t tell our daughter to call him that and that it was probably just confusion from the other child. Yet she never corrected our daughter either,,as I would have done if the roles were reversed.

Zeropine

The mom is obviously helping with that. At her age, she doesn’t really get it. Right now in your dad‑hood there’s this beautiful bond you haven’t uncovered yet it’ll show up with time. You both start talking and growing, yada yada. It doesn’t matter who your ex puts in front of her, and there are still years of confusion for you to wade through with your daughter, BUT… she’ll figure it out. If the sky’s blue, I’m convinced that’s true. All kids, in their own way, eventually get what love feels like and who loves them most. Things might even get messier before they get better, but hang in there, man. Love her as best you can, and one day you’ll look back and see those problems sort of solved themselves.

VelcroViking

“Dad” and “Mom” are just everyday sweet nicknames. Lots of married folks call their in‑laws that way just tradition and kids often call their buddies’ parents the same.

I get that it can be tough, but don’t let it get you down. Being a “Dad” is about way more than just biology. As long as she’s still calling YOU Dad, you can feel solid in that role.

denzelnarwhal

My then‑6‑year‑old asked, “If her mom (we’re divorced) got a new boyfriend, would her dad…?” It crushed me my worst fear yet I gently corrected her, promised, “I’ll always be your dad.” Clearly, kids get tangled up in this stuff easily. They mean no harm, but I know it still hurts.

ChromMax

Right now, it’s just words to her. I’d gently correct her and say, “You’re her one‑and‑only dad no one else gets that title.” And when a friend’s parent gets called that, it’s actually a good sign it shows they feel safe at their friend’s place.

arcadesquid

It happened to me. The mother never corrected our daughter when it happened. When I started a new relationship, she called me crying at work and gave me a piece of her mind. Years later, they’re no longer together and my daughter hates him. Don’t worry about it now, but if you ever enter another relationship, you’ll notice how your ex can become uneasy. Sometimes you have to put tehm in the same shoes so they can understand. Just let it go, live your life. It will work itself out.

speedythehoncho

Different side of the aisle here. I’ve been a stepdad for eight years, and I’ve been in my daughter’s life since she was four. She calls me dad. It’s her choice.

mystcaden

It's totally normal. I remember me and my sis calling our babysitter “mom” till I hit kindergarten. Most kids just call any close female “mom” and any male “dad,” even if they’re not related. 😊

blackninja

You should be happy your daughter has another positive father figure in her life when she's not with you. How does this new influence shape your perspective?