Even if they make the child promise never to tell the other kids, I can't help but to think this can't be a good idea. At least when you're young, you're immature enough to actually "enjoy" such a thing, but as you get older, it seems like it would have to make things sort of "strange". I once heard a parent do this - and she meant it - and I can't help but feel that overall, it would work out to be a negative thin in the long term. It's not that I think parents should never actually -have- a "favorite" - I doubt that can be avoided - but feeling it and stating it are two different things. It seems like stating it is just not "fair", for some reason. FWIW, I've never been told I'm the favorite or heard my sister being told that, but I -have- heard other parents say it. I just have to wonder.
2007-07-16 11:35:28 · 16 answers · asked by uncleclover 5 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
I have four kids (triplets and a younger child) and I love all my children but differently. They each have special qualities that pulls a different string on my heart. Do I love them all YES but just different. Do I have a favorite? No. I don't think that is really possible. I do know that some parents may be disappointed in a child at one point or the other and it may seem as if the sibling is a "favorite" or some parents may tell each child that they are the favorite as a joke or something but . . . no, I would never tell a child that.
Hope this helps.
2007-07-16 12:24:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is never a good idea to reveal favoritism to a child, because they will take it very seriously at any age. Not being the "favorite" will naturally lead a child to assume that he/she is receiving less love, less attention and is less important to the parent. At best, this batters the child's self-esteem, at worst it scars the child's family experiences for life. There is no good reason to ever tell a child that he/she is the favorite because the parent can never assume that the child will keep it a secret forever. And then the trouble starts for a very long time.
2007-07-16 11:43:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
NO NO NO NO NO NO NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am the father of three boys and 1st I would never choose a favorite. I will say that I have realized which one will be less of a troublemaker and which one will make better grades in school etc etc. But I loved all my boys just the same. But to answer your question because there are some Jack A** parents out there like that then I would say the parent should never ever tell the child because it will come back to haunt you later. And then everyone gets hurt EVERYONE!!!!
2007-07-16 11:42:23 · answer #3 · answered by gymrat0187 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
NO, Favoritism, is the wrong thing for a child. If the other sibling ever found out they be crashed. I know my grandmother play favorites and I'm her least favorite and spent most of my childhood trying to get like me. I realized after a long time it was pointless and now I really don't speck to her much .
2007-07-16 13:01:07 · answer #4 · answered by oneofmillions 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have 4 children( now all grown) and I never had a "favorite", but I would often tell each one "you are my favorite 5 year old!" -- or whatever age they were. This made each of them feel special at the time and they could honestly say that to their siblings without making anyone jealous.
I think if you do have a favorite you should keep that to yourself and try not to show it.
2007-07-16 12:31:51 · answer #5 · answered by Marilyn E 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I often park in those bays that are reserved for parents with prams. For one shopping centre near me I went in to the concierge desk and got a 'parent with pram' parking sticker. I told the attendant that I have a neurological condition that affects my coordination and strength and although I could have a disabled bay permit I would prefer to leave those bays for people with wheelchairs. The attendant said I didn't need to tell her I had a gait problem because she could tell and gladly gave me the sticker. It is rather strange that the parent with pram bays are close to the shops entrance as if the young parents had a disability. All they really need is a slightly wider bay and and close access to a footpath around the shops building. This would be enough to reduce the likelihood of them getting swiped or skittled by drivers while pushing the pram with a another toddler holding onto the pram. All the best for your health Rosebud.
2016-04-01 07:32:07 · answer #6 · answered by Lori 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO, NO, A THOUSAND TIMES NO!
Playing favorites is one of the most damaging things that parents can do to children. Even the perception that parents have a favorite, true or not, can do untold damage to a child. My brothers and I still have emotional scars from this, and the youngest of us is 41. Parents who have a favorite among their children should do everything in their power to keep it to themselves.
2007-07-16 11:54:33 · answer #7 · answered by D'archangel 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have twin daughters now age 24. When they were growing up(and even now) I told each one of them that they were my favorite and not to tell the other one. I still write that on cards and tell them to keep it secret, both of them think they are the favorite and they have never told each other. To other people, I said I liked the dog better.
2007-07-16 11:44:27 · answer #8 · answered by tjnstlouismo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No parent should acknowledge or show favoritism because it does nothing but cause resentment,distance and jealousy between the kids. Also conflict in the relationship between the other kids and the parent. my personal experience
Be Blessed
2007-07-16 11:50:02 · answer #9 · answered by babygurl 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If a parent tells a kid that they must be lying (or saying it to all of them to see who tells first.) My parents have 4 kids and could never choose a "favorite." They love us all equally for our special qualities.
2007-07-16 11:55:07 · answer #10 · answered by Nikki M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋