Admit to Yourself That You Probably Have a Beloved Child.
While this topic remains taboo, most parents have a beloved child. The Wall Street Journal points to research that confirms this: in one recent study, 75 percent of mothers said they felt closer to one of their adult children, while another report found that 70% of fathers and 74% of mothers acted accordingly. with these feelings and demonstrated preferential treatment.
Favoritism occurs – it is normal for parents to communicate with different children at different levels at different times. And while they may love all their children passionately, they may not really like someone who has recently become moody, inarticulate, and obsessed with fidget spinners. As one parent explained on Reddit : “To be honest, these are everyday or even minute-to-minute things that are 90% based on the behavior at the time.”
But if you consistently treat one child better than others, things can become unhealthy. A child who believes that he is not Mom and Dad’s most valuable offspring is more likely to use alcohol, cigarettes and drugs , whereas as a privileged child, he may feel responsible for aggravating the relationship between siblings.
The WSJ article provides some good advice on how to maintain a balance between your kids. (For example, don’t compare. “Look how cute Riley sits at the table eating broccoli. She doesn’t slouch or mold spaghetti locks – can’t you look like her anymore?”) But most importantly, experts say, admit it. that favoritism probably exists . If you are open to criticism from your children or bystanders, you will be better able to solve any problems and foster family dialogue in which everyone feels supported and appreciated.
Parents have a beloved child | Wall street journal