Parents Really Do Have a Favorite Child — Here’s Who It’s More Likely to Be,/ Says Science

New York Post ^ | Jan. 16, 2025 | Asia Grace

[nickcarraway]

SNIP

But new research is blowing the lid off the ugly truth — there’s almost always a top tot in the brood. And, sorry boys, it’s usually the girl. Parents may be more inclined to confer the “favorite child award” to daughters, or to children who are agreeable and conscientious, according to an American Psychological Association study published this week.

But crowning one kiddo the crème de la crème — whether overtly or covertly — could lead to family chaos, per the findings. “For decades, researchers have known that differential treatment from parents can have lasting consequences for children,” Alexander Jensen, lead author from Brigham Young University, explained in a release.

“This study helps us understand which children are more likely to be on the receiving end of favoritism,” he added, “which can be both positive and negative.”

[Savage Beast]

Joseph was a lot nicer than those nasty brothers of his. I don’t blame Jacob for favoring him, though he would probably have been wiser not to be so overt about it.