Why Parents Should Not Play Favorites

Do you think it is appropriate to tell one of your sons or daughters that he or she is your favorite child? This is not a good idea. You will learn why you should not have a favorite child as a parent.

This is a matter of unfairness. Your obligation as a parent is to love all of your kids equally. You are supposed to love them unconditionally.

This can create an atmosphere of jealousy. If you favor one of the kids, the others might become envious. It is human nature to be at least a little jealous toward those who achieve better results or receive more attention than you.

It is likely to make the other kids feel inferior. While the one you favor is likely to feel good about himself/herself, his or her brothers and sisters are likely to have low self-esteem and think, "I'm worthless. I am obviously a disappointment to my parents as they love my sibling more than they love me."

It is likely to contribute to the one you favor having an inflated ego. As he becomes egotistical, he is likely to allow his status to get to his head and start thinking he is a big shot. Feeling superior, he is likely to brag and rub it in the faces of his brothers and sisters by saying, "I'm the king! Mommy and Daddy love me the most!"

This is likely to pit your kids against one another. They will probably think they have to compete against one another for your affection. You must avoid doing anything that is likely to create a sibling rivalry.

You have learned why you should not have a favorite child as a parent. No matter what you see in a particular son or daughter, you must avoid calling him or her your favorite child.