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The Golden Child Award: A Parenting Perspective
In the realm of parenting, particularly when raising multiple children, it’s common to grapple with feelings of favoritism. Society often insists that parents should not have a favorite child, and such sentiments are rarely articulated openly. The expectation is that love for each child is equal, though many parents privately acknowledge that they might favor one child over another at different times.
As the parent of six children aged between 2 and 13, I find my “favorite” child fluctuates based on their behavior at any given moment. It’s not about choosing a favorite in a permanent sense; rather, it’s about the child who is currently the least demanding or troublesome. For instance, one moment my daughter may earn the title by helping her younger sibling without prompting. Alternatively, my son might charm me with his enchanting smile and sweet request for a cuddle. Even my teenager can reclaim the title when she engages with me instead of retreating to her room.
However, these dynamics can shift rapidly. The same daughter who was so helpful may soon instigate a conflict by playfully annoying her brother. My son might bluntly comment on my breath while we’re sharing a cozy moment. The teenager may respond to a simple request with eye-rolling disdain, suggesting I “calm down,” which certainly doesn’t help her case in the favorite department.
Despite my deep love for all of them, I also cherish tranquility. I appreciate moments when the children are cooperative and thoughtful. It’s a relief when they only call out “Mom” once rather than repeating it incessantly, as if to emphasize my presence. It seems that whichever child is contributing to a more peaceful environment at any moment is the one who wins my informal “Five Minute Golden Child Award.” This title is fleeting, usually lasting only as long as it takes for another child to step up.
Interestingly, this rotating favoritism helps to mitigate sibling rivalry. Each child has their turn in the spotlight without being aware of the competition. When one child inquires, “Am I your favorite, Mom?” I respond truthfully, “Not right now… but the opportunity is still open.”
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In summary, navigating the emotional landscape of parenting is complex. The idea of having a favorite child is often dismissed, yet the reality is that a child’s behavior can influence a parent’s affections in the moment. By acknowledging this fluidity, parents can foster a harmonious environment where love and support are shared among all children.