Parents really do have a favorite child — here’s who it’s more likely to be, says science

Oh, to be mom and dad’s VIP. 

When discussing whether or not parents have a favorite child, mums usually the word. 

But new research is now blowing the lid off of the ugly truth — there’s almost always a top tot in the brood. 

And, sorry boys, it’s usually the girl. 

Parents may be more inclined to confer the “favorite child award” to daughters, or to children who are agreeable and conscientious, according to a January 16 report via the American Psychological Association.

But crowning one kiddo the crème de la crème — whether overtly or covertly — could lead to family chaos, per the findings. 

“For decades, researchers have known that differential treatment from parents can have lasting consequences for children,” Alexander Jensen, lead author from Brigham Young University, explained in a release. 

“This study helps us understand which children are more likely to be on the receiving end of favoritism,” he added, “which can be both positive and negative.”

It’s the double-edged sword of sibling superiority. 

A previous poll commissioned by UK child-rearing hub, Mumsnet, confirmed that 23% of parents do, indeed, have a favorite child. 

Kris Jenner, 69, queen of the Kardashian clan, previously let it slip that youngest daughter Kylie, 27, is, in fact, the golden child of her party of six. (Look away, Kim!). 

“Mom” star Jamie Pressly, 47, also admitted that her oldest son, Dezi, 17, is her preferred pup out of her litter of three boys. 

Steve Carrell, 62, even confessed to ranking one of his two kids, Elisabeth Anne, 23, and John, 20, a bit above the other. However, “The Office” alum was wise enough to keep the identity of his most cherished child under wraps. 

‘Everybody’s jealous’

But Samah Furrha, 45, a mom of eight from Irvine, Calif., is loud and proud about her unmatched adoration for her youngest son, Kies, 18. 

“He’s the last one and the closest to me,” she gushed. “He loves to hug and kiss.”

And the teen’s seven siblings, as well as dad Salem, 60, are well aware of his top billing in mom’s heart. 

The family even achieved viral acclaim online, cheekily spotlighting their little brother as the all-time favorite to over 10.3 million TikTok viewers. 

“I hear all the time, ‘He’s your favorite. He’s your favorite,’” Samah told The Post. “He’s attached to me and I’m attached to him, too.”

“Everybody’s jealous of Kies,” Salem moaned, “even me.”

Jensen and his team of co-clinicians determined that a parent’s special fondness for one of their offspring is often based on birth order, gender, temperament and personality traits — such as extroversion, agreeableness, openness, conscientiousness and neuroticism. 

Investigators conducted a meta-analysis of 30 peer-reviewed journal articles and dissertations/theses, along with 14 databases, encompassing a total of 19,469 participants. 

The probe proved that parental favoritism can be demonstrated in a number of ways, including how they interact with their children, how much money they spend on them and how much control they exert over them. 

Considering five key domains: overall treatment, positive interactions, negative interactions, resource allocation and control, the psychologists discovered that moms and dads tend to favor their most responsible and organized kid. 

The revelation suggests that parents may find conscientious children easier to manage and more mature. 

Jensen, however, was surprised to find that a big, extroverted personality doesn’t influence parents — especially in the US — when it comes to choosing their choicest cub. 

“Americans seem to particularly value extraverted people,” he said, “but within families, it may matter less.”

Factors such as the child’s age and the parent’s gender also had minimal effects on the “complexities” of parental favoritism.

However, not being the apple of mommy and daddy’s eyes does have a traumatic impact on the less favored children, per the data. 

Jensen warns that siblings standing outside of the winner’s circle often have poorer mental health and more strained family relationships. 

“Understanding these nuances can help parents and clinicians recognize potentially damaging family patterns,” he said. “It is crucial to ensure all children feel loved and supported.”

The pro hopes his conclusions inspire mothers and fathers to become more mindful of their interactions with their children — and that the findings bring the non-favorites some small measure of comfort. 

“The next time you’re left wondering whether your sibling is the golden child, remember there is likely more going on behind the scenes than just a preference for the eldest or youngest,” said Jensen. 

“It might be about responsibility, temperament or just how easy or hard you are to deal with.”