Do parents have favorites? Even if you say you don’t, research shows you probably do. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about dads showing favoritism, even unknowingly, harms everyone in the house.

Why This Matters
Siblings who receive less favored treatment tend to have poorer mental health and more strained family relationships.

• Key Takeaways
  You probably DO have a favorite kid: A BYU study shows 80% of parents show preferential treatment
• Behavior is a factor: The American Psychological Association says “agreeable and conscientious” kids are usually favored.
• Sorry, boys: Both mothers and fathers are more likely to favor daughters.

Action Steps for Dads
Perception is reality, so avoid even appearing to have a favorite kid by doing these things:
1. Analyze yourself.
2. Avoid unfair assignments and punishments.
2. Examine your wallet.
4. Divide your time as evenly as possible.
5. Schedule regular check-ins.
6. Hear them out.

Important Episode Timestamps

• 00:00 – 03:40 | Who’s the Favorite?
  Stories surface about siblings, favoritism, and family dynamics.

• 03:40 – 04:32 | Research on Parental Favoritism
  Statistics show that most parents admit to giving preferential treatment to one child.
• 04:32 – 06:11 | Why Easier Kids Get the Edge
  Parents often lean toward children who cause fewer challenges or show more agreeable behavior.
• 06:11 – 08:27 | Daughters and Favoritism Trends
  Studies reveal that both moms and dads tend to favor daughters more often.
• 08:27 – 11:13 | Long-Term Impact on Sibling Bonds
  Favoritism in childhood can damage sibling closeness well into adulthood.
• 11:13 – 15:18 | A Teenager’s Perspective
  One host shares insights from his 14-year-old daughter on how favoritism makes kids feel unwanted.
• 15:18 – 18:20 | Time, Perception, and Fairness
  The dads discuss how time spent with kids equals love in their eyes, and how perceptions shape reality.
• 18:20 – 26:38 | Avoiding Unfairness in Parenting
  From chores to punishments to finances, they examine how unequal treatment fuels favoritism.
• 26:38 – End | Pro Move:

Think about how you might be favoring one kid over the other. Make a plan to even things out so that there is harmony in your home.

Sponsor:
The All Pro Dad Podcast is proudly brought to you by Family First, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping parents with resources to strengthen their families. Learn more at FamilyFirst.net.