'He Preferred Her': 'Today' Host Talks Through Guilt Over Son's Love For Nanny

June 16, 2026 - 04:00

"Today" show meteorologist Dylan Dreyer recently shared a personal and emotional struggle many working parents face: the guilt that comes when a child forms a deep attachment to a caregiver. During a candid conversation on her podcast, Dreyer admitted she felt a pang of jealousy and sadness when her young son clearly preferred his nanny over her.

Dreyer explained that her demanding schedule often leaves her feeling like she is missing key moments in her children's lives. She recalled a specific instance where her son ran to the nanny for comfort instead of her, which triggered a wave of guilt. "He preferred her," Dreyer said, describing the difficult realization. She acknowledged that while she is grateful for the help, the emotional weight of not being the primary source of comfort for her child is hard to shake.

The mother of three also revealed that she was hesitant to discuss her childcare situation with other parents who might not have similar support. She worried about sounding ungrateful or insensitive to those struggling without help. Dreyer emphasized that her intention was not to complain, but to normalize the complex feelings that come with balancing a career and motherhood. She hopes her honesty helps other parents feel less alone in navigating these bittersweet moments.