If you’ve ever suspected your parents have a favorite child, research suggests you might actually be onto something. And younger siblings might have a reason to feel pretty confident. 😭 In a 2018 survey conducted by British parenting website Mumsnet, 1,185 parents were asked about favoritism within their families. About 23% admitted having a favorite child. Among those who acknowledged a preference, 56% said their youngest child was their favorite, compared with 26% who chose their oldest. But that’s not the only research pointing toward differences in how parents treat their children. In January 2025, researchers from Brigham Young University and Western University published a large analysis in the journal Psychological Bulletin, examining data from 19,469 participants across multiple studies. They found that parents tended to show slightly more favorable treatment toward daughters and children who were more responsible, cooperative, and easygoing. Younger siblings also received preferential treatment in certain areas, while older siblings were generally given more freedom and independence. Interestingly, personality appeared to matter just as much as birth order. Children who were easier to get along with often experienced less conflict with their parents. However, the researchers weren’t suggesting that every family has a favorite or that parents necessarily love one child more than another. Favoritism can appear in subtle ways, from giving one sibling more attention to allowing another more freedom. And those patterns can change as children grow older. The findings also aren’t universal rules for families around the world, since parenting expectations and cultural traditions can vary significantly. Still, this might explain why the youngest sibling always seems to get away with everything. 💀 Be honest, who’s the favorite child in your family, and what’s your evidence? 👀 #FamilyDynamics #SiblingRelationships #PsychologyFacts #Parenting #InterestingFacts - @youupgradeyou