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I have been on both sides of that. My husband would get so frustrated when he couldn't help with our son because our son would meltdown if he tried.

Then our son decides that my husband is the only option in the world. It sucks, and sometimes I force him letting me help and other times it's just easier to let my husband deal with him.

My son is just over 3 and has changed his mind about who the world revolves around at least 4-5 times. The longest a stint has lasted is maybe 5 months, I think. Now that he's older he's definitely more accepting of either parent.

I’be usually been the preferred parent, and it’s really hard on me when my younger son goes through an occasional daddy phase! But I don’t think that when your son is hurt is the right time to try to get in there - if he generally wants his daddy, let him have his daddy when he’s hurt or upset, and try for other times, when he’s calm and more receptive, for you to step in. I think you stepping in and trying to take over is actually a little disrespectful to your husband and son - you know what your son wants, and it’s implying that your husband can’t handle it.

Above all I’d say try not to take it personally. They’re little. They’ll grow out of everything.

I agree with @erinbaderin, when he’s upset probably isn’t the best time to get in there. Work on the bond and trust when he is happy and then when he is upset he will come to you. It can be hard and tiring but preferences change.

DS1 is 6 and always had a strong mommy preference. I’d say maybe closer to 4 he was more at ease with DH comforting him. So far DS2 who’s 10 months is fine with either of us but I think he’s going to be a daddy’s boy.

In our family it just goes back and forth. I’ve been spending a lot of time with the kids over the last month while DH has had some work events, travel, etc. So I’m the favorite right now. I’m traveling for work 2 days this week and I told DH I expect him to be the favorite by the time I come back.

If you really want to change it I’d kick your husband out for the weekend. Let him spend time with friends, etc. Special time together really works in our experience!

@Tionn3: YES, my almost-3-year-old boy has a very, very strong daddy preference. I've almost posted about it like a million times. It was already brewing when I had my daughter (right when he turned 2) but ever since I brought the baby home it's been off the charts. It's actually not bad at all when my husband isn't home, but when he is home--I can't do anything. Some months are worse than others, and it varies between being annoying ("no DADDY can get me my water") and really hurting my feelings. My husband's typical response to months of rejection is, don't take it personally, he's two. Which I get, but it does hurt after a while. Re how you and your husband handle it, I don't really have any advice but my son and I do fine, usually, when we're on our own. How is it if you try and do something just you two, like even the grocery store?