Toddler said dad is scary — what should i do?

Something happened today that’s really been weighing on me, and I’m not sure how to handle it or if I’m overthinking — but it just didn’t sit right.

I have a three-year-old who’s extremely attached to me. Like, very mama-focused. They want to be with me constantly, follow me from room to room, call for me the second I step out of sight. It can be sweet at times, but also overwhelming. And it’s caused a bit of tension at home because my child often rejects their dad completely — moving away when he tries to sit next to them, insisting I do everything, even if he’s available and willing to help.

Today, my child had to go to the bathroom, and my partner offered to help. Instantly, our toddler started crying and yelling, “No! Only mommy!” I went to help, and while we were in the bathroom, I gently asked, “Don’t you want daddy to help you too?” And without hesitation, my child replied, “No, daddy is a scary man.”

I froze. I honestly didn’t know what to say. I asked a little more — “What does daddy do that’s scary?” — and the only other answer I got was, “Daddy is scary.” Nothing specific, just that.

It honestly rattled me. I’m trying not to overreact, but those words from a three-year-old hit hard. For context: my partner and I aren’t in a great place right now. Our relationship is strained, and while I’ve never been afraid of him, he does have a temper. He can be short, irritable, and sometimes raises his voice more than I think is okay. He’s not very engaged as a parent — most of the day-to-day stuff is on me, and he’s not emotionally available in the way I wish he were.

Still, I’ve never seen or suspected anything abusive happening between him and our child. But at the same time, I can't ignore what was said today. I haven’t brought it up with him yet, because I honestly don’t know how. I don’t know if it was just toddler exaggeration, something they picked up somewhere, or if it reflects something deeper I haven’t been noticing. But I can’t shake the discomfort it gave me.

So I’m turning to this community — because I feel stuck.

What would you do in this situation?

Would you bring it up with your partner right away? Would you wait and see if it happens again?

Is this kind of thing normal in kids who are very attached to one parent, or should I be concerned?

Any advice, personal stories, or just someone who understands what this feels like would really help. I don’t want to ignore something important, but I also don’t want to jump to conclusions.