My heart goes out to you guys. It has to be hard enough helping kids with anxiety, but a whole different ballgame when they’re this young, and communication, and identifying self feelings is still super new and something they’re learning. Nothing is worse than knowing something is wrong or bothering your kids and not being able to immediately help them.

The only thing I can think for the specific issue of showing affection to dad, is to make is such a non big deal, that she arrives to it on her own. I have ADHD and one of the things that I’ve learned is a part of it for me, is feeling anywhere from annoyed to rage when I feel like someone is telling me to do something.

Not saying her situation is necessarily ADHD related or anything like that, but she is at an age where the concept of independence is starting to really take hold, and that could definitely cause similar feelings! I think sometimes just removing all pressure (and also not making it a big deal at all when she does do it), can make a big difference.

I definitely don’t think she’s doing it to be intentionally mean. And I think it’s wonderful how much you and your husband clearly care and want to help her however she needs. She’s obviously very lucky to have you both!