Study Confirms Parents Often Have a Favorite Child

Research reveals daughters and agreeable children are more likely to be favored, sparking calls for greater parental awareness.

A meta-analysis of 30 studies involving 19,000 participants found that most parents have a favorite child, despite often denying it.
Daughters and children with conscientious, agreeable temperaments are more likely to be favored, while birth order plays a less significant role than previously assumed.
Researchers emphasize that favoritism is often unintentional, urging parents to recognize and address potential biases to prevent damaging family dynamics.
Parental favoritism can lead to poorer mental health and strained sibling relationships, even if children are not always consciously aware of unequal treatment.
Experts recommend parents focus on equitable treatment and spend quality time with each child to foster healthier family relationships.