Parenting Insights
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These parents are opening up: when it comes to their children, one definitely stands out from the rest.
Let’s be honest—sometimes, you can’t help but favor one child more than the others. Perhaps your “favorite” shifts from day to day, or maybe you’ve had a special connection with one kid since birth. Regardless, no loving parent intends to show favoritism (or at least not make it obvious). Yet, it happens. For those of us who were never the favorites in our families (hello, me!), we’re particularly determined to avoid having a favorite child.
But the parents in our confessional are admitting to their favorites. Do you have a favorite?
“I definitely have a favorite child! It’s hard not to—my son is the kindest person I’ve ever met, and parenting him is a joy.”
Confessional #25858845
“I’ve been pregnant four times, but only one was planned. He’s my favorite.”
Confessional #25844649
“I definitely have a favorite child, and she has four paws.”
Confessional #25828306
Sometimes, the favorites are of the furry kind—we completely understand.
“I know parents say they don’t have favorites, but I really like my youngest more than my moody oldest at the moment. Sorry!”
Confessional #25751447
A running joke in my family is that the hamster is my favorite child, because she’s quiet and stays put. The sad part? I think I genuinely love the hamster the most. It’s not just a joke. I feel like a terrible parent.
Confessional #25751286
To clarify, your furry favorite can be any four-legged companion.
“My partner has a favorite child, and the others know it. Poor them.”
Confessional #22660557
“I love all my children equally. But I do have a favorite and a least favorite child. It changes often, usually based on who is being less difficult at the time.”
Confessional #21651140
See? This is how you handle it. Rotate the favorites! Allow each child a moment to shine (when they’re not being difficult).
“I have a favorite child, and anyone who claims they don’t is lying.”
Confessional #19965562
“I definitely have a favorite child. I love both my kids, but I only really like one.”
Confessional #14085957
“My daughter, who’s 8, spends every second outside (I have to drag her in from the rain)—she’s my favorite!”
Confessional #13074379
“I have a favorite child, and I feel guilty admitting it. I love all my kids equally, but I just connect better with one. It’s not that I don’t try with the others; it just comes more naturally with one.”
Confessional #9112229
In cases like this, it may not be about favoritism but rather finding common ground with one child through shared interests and hobbies—and that’s perfectly fine! As long as the other kids receive love and attention, it’s all good.
“I’m not supposed to have a favorite child, but I do! One son is quiet and helpful, while the others are loud and demanding. How can I not favor him?”
Confessional #8677903
“I don’t have a favorite child, but I do have a least favorite. My son is pretty bad at everything and acts younger than he is. It’s tough to like him sometimes. Mom fail.”
Confessional #8572583
“My favorite child is always the youngest. Now that I’m done having babies, I wonder if I’ll end up disliking all my children as they grow up.”
Confessional #5311671
“Having my first child was a massive mistake. I wish I had given him up for adoption. Now with two kids, it’s clear who my favorite is.”
Confessional #1774940
“I was upset when I got pregnant while on the pill. I was in the middle of losing weight and didn’t want to be pregnant. But now that he’s here, I think he’s my favorite, and I feel guilty for my earlier feelings.”
Confessional #3350984
And finally, one we can all relate to: “My favorite child is whichever one is asleep.”
Confessional #1773033
For more parenting tales and insights, visit our other blog posts, including this one about the journey of home insemination. You can also check out resources like the CDC for excellent pregnancy information.
Search Queries:
- How to choose a favorite child?
- Signs of favoritism in parenting
- Dealing with sibling rivalry
- How to balance attention among children
- Understanding child behavior
In summary, while many parents try to avoid having a favorite child, the reality is that connections and preferences can naturally develop. It can depend on circumstances or shared interests, but as long as love and attention are given to all children, there’s no need to feel guilt.