Is it ok to have a favourite child? My initial reaction to this question was that it’s not, I now see that it’s not that simple. Like all parents (I think) I feel like I have a favourite child at different times, but usually, it’s due to them doing something cute, or useful, or even just the other one being a nightmare at that moment. The feeling is fleeting and doesn’t last long but the truth is it comes down to something we have don’t really have much jurisdiction over – our emotions. My parents went to great lengths to ensure all 4 of us were treated equally and I have to say that for the most part, it worked very well. My Granny would even give us all presents on 1 child’s birthday, and I remember being slightly annoyed by this at the time, but looking back now it’s easy to see why she did it. I think therefore that’s been instilled in me and I’m lucky to be fairly even in how i feel emotionally for my kids. In ‘real life’ however having favourite people is very real and usually results in you whittling your ‘friends’ down over years until you’re just left with your favourites, you’ve less time for people who don’t fall into this category the older you get. But growing up think about how your parents acted and how you felt – did they have a favourite? how did you feel about it?
So, my personal view is that whilst it’s fine to have a favourite, in fact, you can’t help it if you do, it’s probably just easier to not let it be known to the kids. What do you think? There’s no right or wrong so please let us know on our Facebook or Twitter!
