SALT LAKE CITY — Ever wondered if your parents really did have a favorite child? That nagging suspicion might not be all in your head. A study analyzing data from over 19,400 participants concludes that parents do indeed treat their children differently, and the way they choose their “favorites” is more systematic than you might think.
“For decades, researchers have known that differential treatment from parents can have lasting consequences for children,” said lead author Alexander Jensen, PhD, an associate professor at Brigham Young University, in a statement. “This study helps us understand which children are more likely to be on the receiving end of favoritism, which can be both positive and negative.”
So what makes a child more likely to receive the coveted “favorite” status? The research team discovered several fascinating patterns. First, contrary to what many might expect, both mothers and fathers tend to favor daughters. Children who demonstrate responsibility and organization in their daily lives, from completing homework on time to keeping their rooms tidy, also typically receive more favorable treatment from their parents.
