It can happen innocently enough.
One child is a determined rule-follower, the other is a risk-taker.
The oldest is a leader, the youngest is a clown, and the middle child is insecure.
You slyly refer to one as a princess and the other as a daredevil.
Before you know it, the stereotypes and labels have stuck, impacting adult expectations and childrens self-esteem.
When one child seems to get all the praise and the other gets more criticism, sibling conflict develops.
Taylor said sticking kids with stereotypes can impact their ego development, making them feel unworthy or superior.
Either way, there is an imbalance in perception and potential identity formation, she said.
In addition, the sibling relationship is negatively impacted both within childhood and often into adulthood.
Ultimately, it might be hard for siblings to develop long-lasting and supportive relationships with each other.
A child who is similar in personality to the parent may be easier to relate to.
Another reason for perceived favoritism includes observable positive interactions that occur between a parent and child, Taylor said.
Second, increase positive interactions with the child who is perceived as bad, Taylor said.
Try these positive interaction tips:
Start conversations with your child.
Show interest in what they are doing.
Schedule a consistent parent-child date night or special time when conflict is avoided.
Tell your child the positive feelings you have for them.
Recognizing them in front of the family for the positive actions and positive traits.
You might be letting these feelings show without even realizing it.
Ask yourself why things are easier with one child and how that feeling might color your interactions with them.
Also notice how you speak about each child and whether you use positive or negative words more often.
