Why do I feel like I love one child more than the other?

It is absolutely normal," says psychologist Ellen Weber Libby, author of "The Favorite Child." She also says that parents change their favorites at times. Stacy, of Los Angeles has a 5-year-old son and a 9-year-old daughter, "I completely favor my son. He is just so much easier, sweeter, and affectionate.

Why do some parents love one child more than the other?

“Parents may favor one child over another, for a lot of reasons. The child may have an easy temperament or might behave particularly well. They may look like you, or remind you of a favorite relative,” says Susan Newman, Ph.

Is it normal to favor one child?

And experts say that whether most parents admit it or not, they will inevitably favor one child over another at some point in life. “It's perfectly normal for parents to favor one child or another at one time or another. It's what they do with that favoritism that can create problems,” says Dr.

Can a mom love one child more?

Every child needs to feel loved and special in order to thrive. Parents say that they love and cherish their children equally to avoid feeling their own guilt and shame, but often they simply don't. The bottom line is that you're no less of a parent for feeling closer to one of your children. It's normal.

Does every parent have a favorite child?

“Not every parent has a favourite child, but many do,” says Jessica Griffin, an associate professor of psychiatry and paediatrics at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, US.

Watch This If You Feel Unlovable!

What is golden child syndrome?

The Golden Child is, over time, destined for a moment of breakdown when the hopes invested in it fail to be realised. The Golden Future will, it starts to be clear, never materialise, but a bigger prize awaits: a feeling of liberation from expectations that were always disconnected from reality.

How do you know if your least favorite child?

Feelings of Least Favorite Children in Adulthood

Anger and disappointment. Feeling less accomplished compared to your favored sibling. Being withdrawn from your sibling. Conflict with your sibling.

How do you know if your favorite child?

You find yourself more relaxed around a favored child. You smile more, laugh more, and are less stressed. Your tone and choice of words changes when discussing your children with outsiders, including friends, teachers and others. You have uneven expectations for your children.

Which parent do most children love more?

Research indicates that moms still spend twice as much time caring for kids as do dads. The amount of time that dads spend with their children is the main reason why children love more than Dad, but including this, there are also some other reasons for Excessive Attachment of a Mother.

Is the middle child the favorite?

Favoritism. Middle children generally don't feel that they are the favorite child of the family. Favoritism may exist for the oldest child who is viewed as special, or for the youngest child who is viewed as the baby. The middle child falls somewhere in-between and is unable to be the favorite of either parent.

Why do parents love their youngest child the most?

While the youngest sibling is usually the funniest kid, mom and dad favor the youngest for a reason that might surprise you. According to a new study conducted by Brigham Young University's School of Family Life, the youngest sibling of the family tends to be mom and dad's favorite child because of perception.

What is malicious mother syndrome?

When this syndrome occurs, a divorced or divorcing parent seeks to punish the other parent, sometimes going far enough as to harm or deprive their children in order to make the other parent look bad. Though most commonly called malicious mother syndrome, both mothers and fathers can be capable of such actions.

Do mothers have a favorite child?

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.

Are first borns the favorite?

Most parents have a favourite child, and it's probably the eldest, according to researchers. A study conducted at the University of California shows that out of 768 parents surveyed, 70 per cent of mothers and 74 per cent of fathers admitted to having a favourite child.

Is the youngest child the favorite?

Most parents would claim that they do not have a favourite child, but a new study – conducted by more than 1,000 parents across websites Mumsnet and Gransnet– begs to differ. The survey concluded that parents tend to favour their youngest child over the elder.

How do I stop favoring one child over another?

Listen to others who might be trying to tell you that you favor one child over another (your child, your spouse). Let go of defensiveness and hear what they are saying and begin observing yourself for signs of favoritism. Empathize with your child if they come to you with a favoritism concern. Do not try and defend it.

Why do kids like their moms more than their dads?

Moms are nicer.

Kids generally describe their moms as more positive and less reactive. Kids generally feel they get in more trouble with their dads. Because kids have more contact with their moms, they know their moms better and rely on them for support.

Why are sons closer to their mothers?

They express and build trust and hence are good communicators. Moms encourage their sons to express their feelings and are quite patient to them. Compared to dads, moms are usually soft-spoken and good listeners. Moms not only nurture their children but they also take care of their homeworks, playtime and other things.

Do parents really love all their children the same?

First, parents can't love kids equally because no two children are identical. Each child's individual personality fosters loving that is unique to him or her. Second, so much of who we are is hard-wired, and some children are born looking and acting more like one parent than the other.

Which child is most likely to be the Favourite?

The youngest was most likely to be the favourite, with 53 per cent of parents saying they preferred this child, followed by the eldest with 25 per cent, and the middle child with 18 per cent.

How does parental favoritism affect a child?

Favoritism can cause a child to have anger or behavior problems, increased levels of depression, a lack of confidence in themselves, and a refusal to interact well with others. These issues appear in children who were favored by a parent as well as those who were not.

How do you know if your parents have favoritism?

When your parent has a favorite child?

“Parental favouritism happens when one or both parents display consistent favouritism towards one child over another,” says Visher. And it's backed up by research. She points to several journals, including a study published by Elsevier, that explain why parents play favourites. “There are different reasons for this.

What is it like being the favorite child?

The favored child can become very angry at his parents, wondering if perhaps they only pretended to care about him while secretly giving his siblings all the real gifts; he can deeply resent his siblings and be vindictive toward them and fiercely competitive for the tiniest morsels of parental attention.

Why do mums hate me?

She might be open to talking about ways to support and love each other better. If you feel your mother hates you, another possible cause is jealousy. Although rare, it's possible that your mother is jealous of something about you. Perhaps it's your looks, your confidence, or your success.