If you’re a parent of multiple children, you’ve likely grappled with the ever-shifting landscape of your affections. It’s an unspoken rule that having a favorite child is taboo—something we’re not meant to admit. In public, you’ll insist that your love for each child is equal, maybe even claim that you love them differently but equally. But let’s face it: when you have a brood, the reality can be quite different.
In our household, with six kids aged 2 to 13, my “favorite” changes constantly. The title goes to whichever child is least demanding at any given moment. Perhaps it’s the daughter who, without prompting, helps her little sister wipe her nose. Other times, it’s the charming son with the long eyelashes who sweetly asks for a cuddle. Then there’s the teenager who, despite her usual aloofness, surprises me with a funny story from school instead of retreating to her room. Moments like these remind me that our bond is still intact.
However, these fleeting favorites can switch in an instant. The same daughter who helped might soon find herself in trouble for a loud outburst just before bedtime. The sweet boy could suddenly comment on my breath, making snuggle time come to an abrupt halt. And that teenager? If I ask her to pick up her backpack, I might get a dramatic eye roll that suggests she’d rather stab me than comply. Trust me, kids with murderous thoughts aren’t winning any awards in my book.
I cherish all my children deeply, but I also value peace and quiet. I appreciate those rare moments when they’re not fighting and when I only hear “Mom” once instead of every single sentence. It’s a game of ease; the child who makes my life smoother at that moment is crowned with the “Five Minute Golden Child Award.” It’s a title that lasts only a short while, but they all get their turn without even knowing it, thus avoiding the dreaded sibling rivalry.
When one of them innocently asks, “Am I your favorite, Mom?” I respond truthfully, “Not right now… but there’s still time to win me over.”
If you want to delve deeper into the complexities of parenting, check out our other insightful post on The Golden Child Award. And if you’re looking for resources on home insemination, Make a Mom offers reliable kits, while UCSF provides excellent information about IVF and fertility treatments.
In summary, parenting is a rollercoaster of emotions, and while my heart is equally divided, the reality of everyday life means that favorites will always emerge—if only for a fleeting moment.
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