Last week, my son, Lucas, casually remarked, “Mom, I get the feeling that Emma is your favorite.” I felt a twinge of guilt, but honestly, he wasn’t completely off base. What he didn’t notice—because he was too busy scrolling through his gaming app—was how Emma rushed to help me carry in several bags of groceries. I didn’t have to ask or make any noise to get his attention; she just jumped in while he remained preoccupied with his virtual world.
The very next day, however, Lucas’s sister, Mia, piped up, “Mom, why does Emma get so many new clothes? You spoil her!” What Lucas fails to recognize is that Emma pitches in around the house, cleaning the bathrooms (which have seen better days thanks to his aim), walking the dogs in the neighborhood, and even giving me foot massages to save up for her fashion habit. She earns her treats, unlike Lucas, who often prefers to isolate himself in his room rather than engage with the family.
To our kids, it must seem like I have a favorite, and I’m willing to admit something that probably isn’t the most responsible thing to say: They’re not entirely wrong. The truth is, the “favorite” can change from one moment to the next. Each of my three kids has had their turn in the spotlight, and while I don’t announce it with a trumpet, it’s a reality of parenting.
Of course, I love them all equally, but there are days when I feel a stronger connection with one child over the others. Maybe it’s because one is going through an adorable phase, or perhaps another is testing every limit they can find. Sometimes, one child is simply driving me up the wall with incessant tattling.
As I write this, my oldest, Noah, is making me nachos (my ultimate weakness). I’d like to think it’s out of pure thoughtfulness, but let’s be real—he’s probably just trying to bribe me into letting him bike with his friends instead of heading to the beach with the family. I see the manipulation, but frankly, nachos win out every time. So yes, Noah is kind of my favorite at the moment.
They can call me out on favoritism all they like, but it all balances out in the end. Tomorrow, Noah will surely push my buttons with his attitude, while Emma may surprise me by cleaning her room without being asked. The dynamics shift so quickly that it’s hard to keep track.
Plus, since I tend to be the strict one, I know their dad is their ultimate favorite anyway. That guilt? Gone. And I’m perfectly fine with it as long as my kids continue to whip up delicious Mexican food, help with groceries, and give me those much-needed foot rubs.
If you’re on your own parenting journey and curious about more topics, check out our post on at-home insemination kits for some useful insights.
In Summary
It’s completely normal for parents to have shifting favorites among their children. The dynamics of family life mean that sometimes a child’s actions and behaviors can make them more endearing at any given moment. Ultimately, love is constant, even if the favorites change daily.
Keyphrase: parenting favorites
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