Does Everyone Have a Favorite Child?

Having a favourite child might be the greatest taboo of parenthood, yet research shows that the majority of parents do indeed have a favourite.

What percent of parents have a favorite child?

Even if you don't fully recognize it, research indicates that there's a good chance that you actually do have a favorite. In fact, one study published in the Journal of Family Psychology found 74% of moms and 70% of dads reported preferential treatment toward one child.

Is it normal to have a Favourite child?

So you can rest assured that this is actually a very common and totally “normal” experience. Research confirms it: In a 2016 study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family, 75 percent of mothers admitted to feeling closer to one child (and 70 percent of fathers said the same).