3 yr. old daughter hates Dad
My wife and I have been married for 3yrs. We have 4 children (3 from her previous marriage and one together). The youngest (my daughter) is 3. My wife and I have had a pretty tumultuous relationship... up and down. I was very strict and not very loving toward my daughter since we had her. And now she has a very strong bond with Mom and the other children, but not me. My fault --- I've realized and accepted that fact. But, now I'm trying to do something about it... I just don't know what to do. When she is crying or throwing a temper tantrum, I'm the one to come to because she will listen to me --- out of fear my wife says, which is probably true more than anything else. The only time she will talk to me or try to interact with me is when the other kids or my wife are. Any other time she ignores me, will not respond to me unless she is told to by my wife. I've tried to show her more affection and just be nicer to her than I was in the beginning. I haven't been totally consistent about it, but even while I am... it doesn't seem to have any affect. It's as if she doesn't need me and realizes it --- she has Mom and the other kids to go to for pretty much anything she needs. I've asked my wife to maybe come up with some consequence for her when she shuns/ignores me --- but she doesn't think that is a good idea. She says that I just need to keep showing her the love and affection even if she doesn't respond to it (which is pretty hard for me). I really need some advice, because I am clueless.