Overview

• A meta-analysis of 30 studies involving 19,000 participants found that most parents have a favorite child, despite often denying it.
• Daughters and children with conscientious, agreeable temperaments are more likely to be favored, while birth order plays a less significant role than previously assumed.
• Researchers emphasize that favoritism is often unintentional, urging parents to recognize and address potential biases to prevent damaging family dynamics.
• Parental favoritism can lead to poorer mental health and strained sibling relationships, even if children are not always consciously aware of unequal treatment.
• Experts recommend parents focus on equitable treatment and spend quality time with each child to foster healthier family relationships.