WE KNEW IT! Parents do have a favorite child, and they choose their “favorites” is more systematic than you might think.
Both mothers and fathers tend to favor daughters and children who demonstrate conscientious, responsible behavior (completing homework on time, etc).
Birth order influences how parents interact with their children, particularly regarding independence and rules. Parents tend to grant older siblings more autonomy, such as later curfews or more decision-making freedom. However, the researchers note this may reflect appropriate developmental adjustments rather than favoritism.
Similarly, agreeable children who show cooperation and consideration in family life often receive more positive parental responses.
Parents acknowledge treating daughters more favorably, but children themselves don’t report noticing significant gender-based differences – suggesting some aspects of differential treatment may be subtle enough to go unrecognized.