I’d imagine that many of you, as you read these words, have experienced the sensation of not being the favoured child in your family at some point in your life. Undoubtedly, you've encountered your parents' reiterations that they harbour no favouritism and love you and your siblings equally. But is this the complete truth?
Despite the controversial nature of having a favourite child, statistics reveal that 1 in 10 parents with two children admit to having a preferred child, with 62% of these parents indicating that it's the youngest child. However, these statistics may realistically be higher, as some parents might be hesitant to disclose such preferences.
So, it appears that both birth order and position within the family can significantly impact parents' opinions toward their children. Further data illustrates that 43% of parents with three or more children favour their youngest, while a third favour a middle child, leaving only 19% leaning towards their eldest.
Why is this?
Some might argue that ‘psychological and sociological dynamics’ could undeniably shape these perceptions. The youngest child in the family often garners additional attention and affection due to their vulnerability. Moreover, parents may exhibit heightened confidence and a more relaxed approach in raising their younger child due to previous experience. This could be a reason as to why many older children claim that their younger siblings are allowed certain privileges earlier than them, such as the freedom of going out and getting a mobile phone at a younger age.
On the contrary, the eldest child frequently bears the responsibility of serving as a role model for their younger siblings and may experience pressure to fulfil high expectations. This could explain why the youngest and oldest siblings might experience slightly different treatment from each other.
Most of the time, children are unaware of their parents' true preference for a particular child. However, if a child does perceive themselves as less favoured, it can potentially result in issues such as low self-esteem and even contribute to higher rates of depression.
In summary, it's crucial to acknowledge that favouritism within families can yield consequences for the children involved, and it is a sensitive and complex subject that varies significantly among different families. It's essential to recognise that each family dynamic is different, and encouraging open communication is vital for resolving any perceived concerns.