I was watching a daytime talk show the other day (this rarely happens, by the way…) and Kelly Ripa and her husband were on, talking about their kids and life, etc. At one point Rachel Ray asked them if they have a favorite child and they said yes but they would never tell who. But then Kelly did say the child’s name and said it was okay to tell because they were all at school and wouldn’t hear them. This was all said in good humor and lightness and then her husband (Mark, I think?) said it was because this child was the nicest to them (him and Kelly) and the audience laughed, as did I.
But for some reason the phrase “favorite child” really got me thinking.
I presume all parents have a kid they “favor” over others at times. We are only human after all. But I know, at least in my case anyway, it changes as the children also change, grow and develop. I’m sure many of you know what I mean.
I didn’t only think about my own parenting situation but that of my parents’ as well. Do they each have a favorite? And if so, who did they settle on now that we are all out of the house and have our own kids? Do the grandchildren now play a part in their favoritism as well? I wonder.
I do not believe either of my parents would claim a favorite but just from our own personal family dynamic I can probably venture a guess. Is it me? Perhaps. Does it really matter to me?
Nope.
There are a couple of other good candidates and I know they love us all unconditionally and for our own individuality and so that is good enough for me.
Of course these thoughts bring me back around and I think about my three children and who might I favor at any given time, or any given hour, for that matter! One day it could be the child who sported the cutest smile while I was taking their picture or the one that listened well. The next day it could be the kid that did not wake me up during the night or ate all their dinner without complaint.
Or you know, the one that told me I looked pretty that day. J
What I’m trying to say is that of course I do not have a favorite child overall but that doesn’t mean there are not days where one of them might be more on my good side.
I just hope they know that I love them all so much no matter what, just like I know my parents do their children.
yes, I am milkin’ the pumpkin patch pics for all they’re worth. thankyouverymuch
So, do you have a favorite? Go ahead and spill. I promise I won’t tell…
