As a parent, you only want the best for your children. And you want them to know that. But what happens when they think you’re playing favourites with one of them? Or what if you actually do have a favourite child? This puts strain on the entire family, not just the children. Those who feel neglected may turn to rebellious behaviour in an attempt to catch your attention. How you relate with your kids is the key to resolving this issue.
Spend Time With Each Child
Hanging out as a family is great, but the needs of the individuals tend to be overlooked. Carve out time to spend with each child one-on-one. Provide a safe space for them to talk about what they’re going through. Even when you’re not having a discussion, pay attention to their behaviour. You can pick up important cues by observing their demeanour. Choose an activity to do with each child on a regular basis. Having one activity that you rotate among the kids ensures no one feels less appreciated.
Appreciate Their Unique Needs
In an attempt to treating everyone fairly you may think doing the exact same thing with each child is a good idea. It only works up to a certain extent since each one has varying personalities and strengths. Focus on what your kids’ individual needs are instead of lumping everyone together.
Forgive & Move On
When your child messes up, address the mistake on the spot- and then let it go. Bringing up past mistakes causes stress in a child, especially if they feel there’s a favourite who doesn’t get berated as much for their wrongs. If left unchecked it can breed resentment among siblings.
Affirmation
As you spend time with each child individually, let them know that you love and support them. Don’t assume that they know. Even if they do, children need constant verbal affirmation from their parents as they grow up. The younger the child, the more affirmation they require.
