How do I cope when my child prefers their mom’s boyfriend over me?

cloviaswurst97 · 2026-05-08T12:30:11+00:00

My son just told me he likes his mom’s boyfriend better than me, and tbh that’s probably the worst pain I’ve ever felt. I honestly don’t know how to process this emotionally or mentally.

brownhawk

Put on the white Nikes and jorts. Strip their lawn. Remind them who’s dominant, and your son will follow…

B ut seriously, if you never experienced divorce or separation as a child, you can’t grasp its impact on a kid. The boyfriend is probably trying to buy love, but it won’t last. Love your son. Discipline your son. Keep growing together. Kids get hurt in these moments and say things they don’t mean. They also don’t realize how painful their words can be.

spartanwdgamer

Just so u know, he's kinda like the uncle 😅.
He can do all the fun stuff, but no need to raise him. 👍
He doesn’t have to be responsible or disciplined. lol
You do. 💪

bocajnerdy

Lots of times kids blurt out things they don’t really mean because they’re hurting or trying to hide how they truly feel.!He’s probably in some kind of pain. I remember saying some harsh words to my family when I was younger, but I never meant them I was just angry. I’d try chatting with him to understand what’s on his mind, what you can improve, and go from there. Show him you truly care about his thoughts you might be pleasantly surprised. Just keep at it.

willremedyovation32

Just remember, your main job as a parent isn’t to be your kid’s “favorite.” It’s to give them a solid, well‑rounded education and good morals while letting them have as much joy as possible. You’ll be best friends with them when they’re grown, but right now that’s not the top priority even if it hurts to hear.

DeckDerek

Sticks and stones brother sticks and stones...

strongmarkwaanii

Hard truth

Our job as a parent isn’t to be liked.

It’s to love our kids even when they push back. They’ll hurt us, but we’re not their emotional caretaker – that’s on us.

Be a good dad, encourage hime and let him be who he wants. The real winner will be you in 20 years when he looks back and thanks you for setting boundaries, supporting and disciplining him.

It’s sucks, but it’s true.

KahlerZelBevans

Don’t worry, man I know that shit hurt, bc you said some hurtful/outlandish stuff as a kid that you didn’t mean, tbh.

ReservoirDogHolmes

Be the bigger person. Give him grace. Understand he will carry deep regret for those words. He may not feel it now, but as he matures, he will.

WhizzUlthrax

Don't take it seriously. Mine does it to me, man there’s kids, they don’t know any better, just trying to get a rise outta you. My rule: you don’t have to like me, but you gotta respect me and my rules. End of the day, you’re laying the foundation, bro.

CavemanMagic810

He's not supposed to like you, he's supposed to respect and honor you.

PartyShifter

Hey, be confident and stop doing anything for him. Don’t ever let a child make you feel inferior you deserve so much better.

BluebirdRock

Kids say crazy stuff. Maybe, in his mind, he was referring to something very specific that the other guy does. DON’T take it personally kids' minds work in strange ways. Just keep being the best Dad you can be. The other guy might be trying to score points with everyone, going extra hard. DON’T overthink it. I know it will be difficult to do that.

paintarcan

As he gets older, he'll appreciate you more and more. When you're no longer here, he'll regret saying that and will miss you every day.

mattdylanzaenos

It makes sense if, as the dad, you set rules and standards like any father should. When he’s with Mom, they parent differently, and the boyfriend will only have positive experiences with the child since I assume he isn’t responsible for discipline. Don’t let that worry you; try to spend some bonding time.

griffchryze

Like… respect/role model can be very different. He probs just gets away with everything there. 🙄

Keep being an awesome role model and that phase should pass. 👍

CheeseZeppelin

Ignore it and march on be the best father you can be

« Previous Page