Why do some parents favor one child over the other?

Sometimes, parents prefer one child over another. Here are some reasons why. A large proportion of parents consistently favor one child over another. This favoritism can manifest in different ways: more time spent with one child, more affection given, more privileges, less discipline, or less abuse.

Can parents be partial?

Parental favoritism is when one or both parents display consistent favoritism toward one child over another. It can include more time spent together, less discipline, and more privileges. As a parent, we usually try to remain neutral and treat all of our children equally.

How do you deal with a partial parent?

Approach your parents when both of you are in good, calm moods. Ask if you can speak with them about something important. Avoid talking just as they have come in from work or while they are in the middle of doing something. Instead, choose a time when you are both free.

Do parents treat all their children the same way or do they treat the oldest and youngest differently?

Parents should treat children differently at different ages; problems occur when parents are not able to act appropriately for their child’s developmental age and needs. A third child has two older siblings, and so on. Because of birth order and family size, no two children experience the same family the same way.

Is the middle-aged adult worried about the aging parent?

We found in our research that when the middle-aged adult is worried about the aging parent, the parent is both annoyed by that and feels more loved.” At a recent 80th-birthday party for my friend Leah, I found myself seated at a table for eight, all women of a certain age: my very own focus group.

Why don’t elderly parents take care of their children?

They do not consider the impact it will have on their children’s lives. Adult children are not built in safety nets for the elderly parent. Elderly parents must take some responsibility toward their care as they age and not assume their children will do it all for them.

What do elderly parents expect their adult children to do?

Some elderly parents expect their adult children to become caregivers, servants, banks, entertainment systems and emotional trash cans. To name a few of the roles I’ve both seen and played myself.

Is there a fine line between caring and controlling aging parents?

There’s a fine line between caring and controlling—but older adults and their grown children often disagree on where it is. Several years ago, I wrote a book aimed at helping adult children of my generation manage the many challenges of caring for our aging parents.