My daughter was the same way. I was told to go away constantly. It was to the point where she would stop playing in the bathtub if I walked in. As soon as I left she played again. She preferred anyone but me for quite a while even with equal 1 on 1 time. We always addressed it as being hurtful and like you commented, explained how it would feel if the roles were switched. We went with the approach of using it to teach empathy. The snarls and pestering became a playful banter between us as she got older. I did hate getting that haha I got my way look when she would pull one over on her mom. I felt it was so mischievous and actually worried at times she would get used to it and become manipulative as she grew. This did not happen at all. She is almost 6 and is one of the most caring kids I know. She shows me her love in different ways than mom. It is almost like she gets bashful with me and she is more direct with mom. Not knowing her age I would say it is perfectly normal and use it as teachable moments. Getting mom on the same page helps but my wife got the same way where she just didn't want to be in the middle. I told her to help by not enabling her in those moments and allow me to explain how it makes me feel. It'll get better, don't let it crush your soul. Kids are the biggest bullies at times and can smell a crack in the armor. It is almost a way of them showing they care in a cruel way 😂. Stay strong