A Woman’s Work
How to Be a Favorite Child Finally, society is examining the favorite child phenomenon. Although it has been the best-kept secret since the beginning of time, every family seems to have a golden child. Because we’re human, it is only natural that we all have preferences. As humans, we just cannot seem to help ourselves when it comes to our likes and dislikes. This is one of those good things/bad things, and someone can easily be hurt as a result. As parents, most of us love all of our children equally, but we love them differently for a wide variety of reasons and at different times. Unique qualities may seem lovable in one child but absolutely awful in another child. Age has something to do with it. A child’s actions may seem adorable in a toddler but appalling in a teenager. New information seems to suggest that a favorite child exists in virtually every family. Whether real or perceived, this dynamic seems to impact virtually all family members—and not just in childhood. Like so much that happens to us early in life, it affects us throughout our developing and mature lives whether we are the adored one or not. Our social ranking within the family seems to program us when we are forming opinions about ourselves and our abilities as humans. Many overlooked children admit to forming different thought patterns and feelings as they enter into adulthood. As unfavored children, their decision-making skills are different from those of their favored sibling. Again, this might be one of those good things/bad things. More often than not, being less than the shining star has its own advantages both during childhood and in adulthood. Millions of less-than-stellar children have successfully grown into mature and happy adults with
By Sharon Knierim
fulfilling lives. They are able to make decisions, manage their careers, and raise families of their own. Their children are equal in terms of popularity and parental adoration. Of course, the same can be said of stellar children as they grow into adulthood and lead fulfilled lives. So, what is in the makeup of a favorite child? Although nobody really seems to know for sure, there do appear to be a few personality traits and sets of circumstances that set this odd, yet omnipresent, family dynamic into motion. It might be the most intelligent or clever child of the brood. In some instances, birth order plays a significant role in who is popular and who is not. Truly, there is nothing as awe-inspiring and inspirational as that first baby of the family. On the flip side, more than a few mothers have breathed an emotional sigh of relief after they have delivered what they know will be their last baby. Timing seems to play a role in how parents feel about their children. If a couple is experiencing hard times when a baby is born, that child can be a constant reminder of past stresses in the marriage as he grows to maturity. Unknowingly, parents can hold a slight grudge. Commonly, children born into happier times seem to fare a bit better.
A Few Words From : s r e is t r e v d A r u O One of
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