In a surprising new study, researchers reveal that parents do, in fact, have a favorite child. While it’s often hard to identify favoritism within families, researchers from Brigham Young University and Western University found that it follows recognizable patterns. Their analysis looked at 30 peer-reviewed studies on "parental differential treatment," exploring how parents treat siblings differently across categories like affection, resources, autonomy, and conflict.
The findings show that parents often favor daughters over sons. This favoritism is present across both mothers and fathers, with daughters generally receiving more time, affection, and autonomy. Interestingly, agreeable and conscientious children, regardless of gender, are also favored. The study also discovered that first-born children tend to receive more freedom and responsibility, a pattern that can extend into adulthood.
Researchers suggest that girls may be favored simply because they are seen as easier to manage compared to boys. This theory stems from the idea that girls often have fewer behavioral problems in school and at home, which may influence parental treatment. However, some researchers also note that the perception of daughters becoming caregivers for elderly parents may contribute to this trend, though it's considered less likely.
While favoritism may seem like a harmless dynamic, it can have lasting consequences. Favored children tend to experience better mental health, perform better academically, and engage in fewer risky behaviors. In contrast, children who feel less favored may struggle with negative outcomes. Extreme favoritism, however, can also backfire, even for the favored child, creating tension and resentment.
So, how should parents address accusations of favoritism? Experts recommend engaging in open, honest conversations with children when concerns arise. Understanding the child’s perspective and addressing their feelings early on can help prevent these issues from affecting family dynamics in the long term.
Ultimately, while favoritism may occur naturally due to temperament, birth order, or gender, it’s important for parents to ensure that all children feel valued and loved for who they are, not for how they compare to their siblings.
Source: Yahoo!