When raising multiple children, it’s common to experience a complex range of emotions regarding your affection for each one. As a parent, you’re often told not to have a favorite child; it’s a taboo topic that remains unspoken in polite discourse. Society expects you to profess equal love for all your children, and if pressed, you might suggest that while your love is indeed equal, it’s also distinctly different for each child. But the reality of parenting can defy such neat categorizations.
In my case, with six children aged between 2 and 13, my “favorite” can change in an instant, dictated by their behavior at that particular moment. It might be the daughter who selflessly helped her baby sister or the son whose charming demeanor and inviting eyes coax me into a snuggle. Occasionally, it’s the teenager who surprises me by sharing a laugh instead of retreating to her room, reinforcing the bond we have.
However, these fleeting moments of affection can shift rapidly. The same daughter who showed kindness might soon engage in a sibling squabble just as bedtime approaches, testing my patience. The charming son may bluntly comment on my breath, abruptly ending our cozy moments. And the teenager, once engaging, may roll her eyes at a simple request, showcasing a different side of her personality that certainly doesn’t warrant the favorite title.
While my love for each of them remains unwavering, I also cherish tranquility. I appreciate thoughtful gestures and moments of calmness, rather than the chaos that often accompanies parenting. The child who makes my life smoother, even for a brief period, earns the unspoken title of the “Five Minute Golden Child.” This title is a temporary crown, shared among my children throughout the day without them realizing it, thus avoiding unnecessary competition and sibling rivalry.
When one of them innocently inquires, “Am I your favorite, Mom?” I respond honestly, “Not at this moment, but there’s still time for you to take the lead.”
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In summary, parenting often involves a delicate balance of love, patience, and the ability to navigate the ups and downs of sibling dynamics. The concept of a favorite child, while often shrouded in secrecy, can be a lighthearted acknowledgment of the everyday realities of family life.