I'm a dad too or at least like RoryRory's SAHD DH sounds. I don't give in to emotional appeals except when i gave an arbitrary response initially (like "mum can i have more orange?" *i can't be bothered peeling another one* "maybe later sweetie", "aw pleeeeeeeas?" *i realise an orange is a perfectly reasonable request and 2 oranges isn't going to induce vomiting or hyperactivity* "oh, ok then!") Interestingly DD must be easily able to tell when i am firm on a matter and when i'm just half-thinking about things because she doesn't bother making emotional appeals if it's something i'm firm on. Unlike with her dada who will do ANYTHING to let her have her way....

I definitely know and feel i'm DD's mama, and gave birth to her, but i don't suffer much from anxiety or guilt, i try to just enjoy it all. Blink and it's gone.

Bx

ETA - i have definitely had Mama-bear moments with my DD, but they are generally when the two of us are under threat (for example from a drunk belligerent adult i the street). When i am alone i hope no-one will attack me, when i have DD with me i hope i won't murder whoever attacks us. I don't get mama-bearish over normal kid interactions in general.