DEAR DEIDRE: MY baby daughter hates her father and he doesn’t seem too keen on her either.
He is 35 and never wanted kids. I’m 32.
Things were going well between us but one night on holiday, the condom split and I got pregnant. It wasn’t ideal.
He said he needed time to come to terms with it.
He moved in with me but we argued a lot.
When our little girl was born, he was initially excited and told all his family and friends.
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But after a few sleepless nights, he announced he was going back to his flat because he had to get up early.
We split up soon afterwards.
He would come over regularly but now he only sees our daughter twice a month.
She is seven months old and screams when he tries to hold her.
Sometimes, he doesn’t even stay if she’s crying and he often seems completely uninterested.
How can I help them bond?
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Deidre says: Babies are receptive to your feelings so if you’re anxious, she will pick up on it.
She deserves two loving parents so talk to him and reassure him you want him to be involved.
If he is willing to do more, explain that it will take a while for her to feel comfortable.
If you can take her to the park together to feed the ducks or even out for a walk and a coffee together, she will begin to trust him if she sees you are relaxed with him.
For further help contact Family Lives (familylives.org.uk, 0808 800 2222).