Do parents choose favorites?

Even if you don’t fully recognize it, research indicates that there’s a good chance that you actually do have a favorite. In fact, one study published in the Journal of Family Psychology found 74\% of moms and 70\% of dads reported preferential treatment toward one child.

What does parental favoritism look like?

Parental favoritism is when one or both parents display consistent favoritism toward one child over another. It can include more time spent together, less discipline, and more privileges. As a parent, we usually try to remain neutral and treat all of our children equally. But that task is a lot harder than it sounds.

Which child is the favorite of the parents?

And, though you may not mean to, you will favor her. Usually, the favorite is the oldest child or the baby. The first-born holds a special place in your heart and the newborn needs constant attention. Sometimes, parents feel closer to children with illnesses or special needs.

Do parents always play favorites with their children?

No. Parents are even more likely to play favorites once their children are adults, though the causes may vary once the children are grown. Preference is often given to children to live near the parents or who have provided the parents with emotional or financial support.

What to do when your child says they have a favorite?

What you can do. Levin says the most important thing a parent can do if a child says they believe another is the favorite is to acknowledge their feelings. “Don’t just say, ‘I don’t have a favorite’ or ignore it. If that’s what they’re feeling, it’s coming from somewhere and it’s their perspective. So it’s important not to dismiss it,” she said.

What does it mean to be favored as a child?

Being favored means almost always being resented by the other children. The parents’ unequal attention poisons sibling relationships without even trying. Williams says that she’s consistently seen problems arise for favored children. Parents are often surprised, because it seems they should have no reason to be affected.