Verified by Psychology Today

The Favorite Child

A Psychologist Explores Family Dynamics

Friends
When Favoritism Becomes Abuse

Ellen Weber Libby Ph.D. on April 23, 2011

These behaviors occurring within families commonly signal that favoritism has crossed the line from normal to abusive.

These behaviors occurring within families commonly signal that favoritism has crossed the line from normal to abusive.

Personality
Personality Begins Before Birth

Ellen Weber Libby Ph.D. on October 4, 2010

Anne Murphy Paul in her cover story for Time magazine writes, "a pregnant women's mental state can shape her offspring's psyche."

Anne Murphy Paul in her cover story for Time magazine writes, "a pregnant women's mental state can shape her offspring's psyche."

Parenting
Healing Isn't Always Pretty

Ellen Weber Libby Ph.D. on March 1, 2010

Children who grew up as the unchallenged favorite child often struggle, as adults, with issues of intimacy. They continue to look for the person who will love them as much as their parent did - an impossible task.

Children who grew up as the unchallenged favorite child often struggle, as adults, with issues of intimacy. They continue to look for the person who will love them as much as their parent did - an impossible task.