The Favorite Child

A Psychologist Explores Family Dynamics

Ellen Weber Libby Ph.D.

Joe Paterno: You've Lots to Learn from Steve Jobs

Mom Liked You Best

Risks of Growing Up Adored

The Black Swan: A Lesson in Parent/Child Relationships

When Favoritism Becomes Abuse

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

The Black Swan: A Lesson in Parent/Child Relationships

Military Families: Their Uniqueness

Personality Begins Before Birth

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

"The Kids Are All Right" Gets It Just Right

Keeping Our Jobs

 

FAVORITISM DOES EXIST!

WORRYING ABOUT THE WRONG THING

 

ITS FATHER'S DAY: FEELING SPECIAL

DEFENSIVE PARENTS: NO NEED!

A FATHER AND HIS CHILDREN

A MOTHER'S DAY PROMISE

What Do Infants Teach Parents About Favoritism?

IS THERE A FAVORITE PARENT?

Spontaneous Conversations on Favoritism

Healing Isn't Always Pretty

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.

Are Children With Special Needs Favored?

4 Reasons Why Being Your Parent's Favorite Can Hold You Back

Being the favorite child can have its problems.

Do Parents Have Favorite Children? Part II

Do Parents Have Favorite Children?

Commonly, adults prefer meeting the needs of children at particular ages, such as those of dependent infants, curious toddlers, compliant middle school children, defiant adolescent

Caution: Parental Pride Turns Dangerous

A TIGER TRAPPED

People write and talk about Tiger Woods flings from their own bias. Underlying and unifying these varied viewpoints is The Favorite Child Complex. It is impossible for people, who were as adored by a given parent as Tiger was by his father, to find anyone else who adores them as much. To fill this emotional void, people look outside of their marriages. For the famous and powerful, like Tiger Woods or Bill Clinton, admiring fans provide temporary and artificial gratification.

Holiday Gatherings Rekindle Old Family Dynamics

Ted Kennedy: An overlooked child

Overlooked children may not be the apple of their parents' eyes, but these kids can be driven to be valued. Ted Kennedy is an example of an overlooked child whose life was driven by his desire to make his father proud, to carry on the family legacy of excellence. Kennedy worked hard to keep up with his revered siblings, bringing this ethos to his life in the Senate. Our nation is better for that.