Even if they won’t admit it, parents do indeed have a favorite child
According to scientific evidence, more than 70% of progenitors display preferential treatment towards one of their kids — though only 10% admit to having a descendant of choice
As a general rule, if you ask a mother or father if they have a favorite child, their immediate response will be a resounding “no!” Or perhaps: “How could I have a favorite? I love them both equally!” In fact, according to a survey by public data portal YouGov, only one in 10 parents admit to having a favored offspring. “Admitting that you have a favorite child is one of the great taboos of parenting because it clashes with the idea of a perfect mother or father who is always fair and equitable. The issue generates discomfort, guilt and fear of social judgment, especially among mothers, who tend to be more scrutinized in their role,” says Sara Tarrés, a psychologist and author of the Spanish-language book Mi hijo me cae mal (I don’t like my kid; Plataforma editorial, 2023).
