Hi - my boyfriend has a 14month old little girl (his only child) and she stays at his over night at the weekend. She has always been a happy smiley baby and I've been able to play with her and look after no problem. Recently though she's become really clingy to her dad. He can't even go to the toilet without her crying for him. I feel completely useless; I can't help my boyfriend because the baby only wants him, and I can't help the baby because she only wants her daddy. Needless to say I feel helpless. Is this just a phase she's going through?
There is also the issue of bedtime. As my boyfriend only sees his daughter properly once a week, she stays up and plays as late as she wants and when she finally crashes, he just goes and puts her in the cot. She knows that she doesn't have a set bedtime at daddy's house. This I'm finding frustrating too. She seems to have him wrapped around her little finger. How do I tell my boyfriend that though without being insulting or causing an arguement? I don't have any children of my own yet but as an 'outsider' I can see that the bedtime thing will become an issue as it will eventually affect her bedtime at her mum's house and then her mum will be straight on the phone telling my boyfriend to sort it out and get her into the routine she is in the rest of the week at home. Any advice will be much appreciated! Thank you in advance....