Mums favour children who remind them most of themselves

Many of us grew up believing that good behaviour and success in school or sports were sure-fire ways to win our parents’ favour.

 

Apparently we were wrong.

 

US researchers have found that mothers actually choose their favourites based on similarities between them and the child.

 

Instead of choosing the offspring with financial, career or academic success, the majority of mothers questioned chose the child who shared their beliefs, values and opinions.

 

406 mothers were interviewed for the seven-year study and three-quarters picked the same child at the end of the period that they did at the start.

 

Gender was also found to play a part, with many mothers forming closer bonds with their daughters.

 

Sociology professor Jill Suitor says: 'What was surprising is that whether a child was married, divorced or achieved independence, mattered much less than sharing personal values.” 

 

What do you think? Are you closer to the child you view as being most like you?