Sibling Favoritism and Conflicts

Older parents who have made it clear that they favor one child over another may be causing a lot of pain for their other children. In many cases, the children that are not the favorites will become less involved in the family. Since the favorite child will usually become the caregiver, the other children feel they have no need to be involved in their aging parents care.

1. Most parents with multiple children will have one that they are emotionally close to and one that there is a lot of conflict with.

2. Parental favoritism is actually normal and is a fundamental part of the family landscape.

3. Studies have indicated that middle-aged children will begin to recognize that their parents are closer to one child than another.

4. Aging parents will usually make it very clear which child they want caring for them later in life. This will typically be the child that is emotionally close to the parents.

5. In most cases, the role of the caregiver will be granted to a daughter because mothers are usually closer with their daughters than their sons. The emotional bond plays an important role in child favoritism.

6. If there is a favorite child, they will usually be the one who is chosen to be the caregiver, even if they are unsuitable for this important role. This can cause many conflicts within the family.

Source: New Old Age Blogs

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