Willravel

It can be normal for a 2.5 year old boy to be afrai of his father, actually. I say this beacuse even though my dad is a gentel giant, I was afraid of him until I was 6 or 7 years old. My dad never yelled or layed a finger on me.

I would suggest careful monitoring of the situation. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst seems appropriate. When you and your ex were together, did he ever threaten to or strike you? Did he show agressive behavior? Did you have tape on your phone because he threw it across the room in a rage? If so, then it is a good idea to watch for any kind of marks on your baby boy. Black and blue marks in specific areas (not on knees or elbows) can be a sign of some sort of abuse. Unfortulately, emotional abuse does not have the same obvius scaring as physical abuse.

One has to bear in mind that he is 2.5. His actions are very much based on emotions instead of logic. While you or I might see him terrified of his father, he might simply be acting up for attention or trying to pit you and your ex against each other. My 2.5 year old daughter often tries to pit mommy and daddy against each other as a form of entertainment. She also has unforseeable reactions to different situations. Sometimes she loves a bath. Other times she'll throw a tantrum to avoid a bath.

BTW, what you are doing is not complaining. What you are doing is seeking a third party opinion in a very difficult situation. Kudos for having the fortitude to ask for help.