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Sibling Fed Up With Parents’ Favoritism Towards Bro, Leaves Gathering And Exposes Toxic Behavior
Parents definitely aren’t supposed to have favorite children, but sometimes they may behave extra nicely towards just one kid, perhaps without even realizing they’re doing something wrong. This kind of behavior might make the other siblings feel hurt or left out, especially if they’re trying hard to get their parent’s attention.
This is exactly what happened in one family where one of the kids was treated like a golden child while the others were ignored. Things finally came to a head when one sibling confronted their parents and shared exactly how they felt.
More info: Reddit
RELATED:
Parents shouldn’t be favoring one kid over the rest, no matter how talented or skilled they seem to be
Image credits: freepik / Freepik (not the actual photo)
The poster explained that their parents kept going overboard complimenting their son’s cooking but ignored their other kids no matter what amazing things they did
Image credits: freepik / Freepik (not the actual photo)
The same thing happened at a family gathering when the parents gushed over their son’s culinary skills but ignored the good news their other kid shared
Image credits: freepik / Freepik (not the actual photo)
The author felt irritated about being ignored by their parents, so they faked getting a text in order to leave and later confronted their parents about their favoritism
Image credits: No-Morning-6976
The poster clarified that their parents had treated all the kids the same growing up and that it was only in the last couple of years that they began to favor one kid so much
It definitely seems like the other kids’ achievements were pushed to the side because of their parents’ behavior towards their one son. They treated him like a golden child and made his simple cooking hobby out to be something absolutely exceptional.
Even though it might seem like everything is always great for the favorite child, it isn’t like that in reality. Experts say that parents often behave this way because they want their kids to achieve the things they couldn’t do. This can put a lot of unnecessary pressure on the child and make them feel like they have to work extra hard to live up to their parents’ expectations.
In this situation, the other children also felt incredibly left out by the favoritism. Regardless of how hard they worked or what kind of hobbies they indulged in, they were never praised for any of it. This made them feel sidelined and a bit resentful towards their brother, even though it wasn’t exactly his fault.
Usually, when parents compliment only one kid, the others might feel dejected or hurt. It can also affect their self-esteem and make them lose self-confidence in their abilities. That’s why it’s so important for parents to treat their children equally and praise all of them.
Image credits: freepik / Freepik (not the actual photo)
Things turned from bad to worse when the parents ignored the good news about their son-in-law getting his dream job. The OP felt hurt by their behavior and decided to skip out on their family gathering as a result. This led to a big conflict later on when the parents found out the real reason why their child left.
It can be hard to confront parents who are showing favoritism. Experts say that it’s important to approach this kind of situation carefully and when everyone is in a calm mood. Rather than starting off with accusations, the child should use ‘I’ statements to convey how the situation has been affecting them.
Some netizens felt like the parents were overcompensating for the fact that their son was gay by trying to behave extra nicely toward him. The poster clarified that their brother had come out 16 years ago, and that couldn’t possibly be the reason for their over complimentary behavior.
Parental favoritism can be deeply damaging to children’s well-being and also affect siblings’ relationships. It’s essential that people recognize if they are doing something like this and try to change their behavior. This will make everyone feel heard and valued rather than pitting them against each other.
Do you agree with the way the OP handled the situation? If you’ve ever been in a situation like this, do share your experience as well.
Folks were confused by the parents’ behavior and asked a lot of questions to figure out why they suddenly seemed to be complimenting their son so much
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What do you think ?
Otto Katz 2 days ago
My mother did a variation of this. I hated onions growing up, couldn't stand eating them. I'd pick them out of any food she put them in, and she put them in Everything. She knew this, but still wouldn't help me. It wasn't until younger sister brought home rich boyfriend who didn;t like onions that she started cooking without them. Really hurt me. As I am older and older, onions affect me more and more. Like physically ill. Won't go into details here. But the disrespect and lack of caring towards her own daughter has never left me.
Brian Droste 1 day ago
If you know what food or foods she don't like you should invite her over over a meal make withone or two of those foods for the meal or put small pieces of those in the food. If she says anything say that is what you did to me growing up.
Load More Replies...
Wendy Miller 2 days ago
I get this. I'm the last of 5 kids. My one sister was the end all be all to my parents. It's like they forgot that the rest of their kids are accomplished, too. We had that talk with them to remind them we each have abilities that compliment and sometimes outstrip hers. It's tough when your parents act this way.
Daniel Gómez 1 day ago
My grandfather did this with my cousins and me. They were his golden grandchildren. I don't resent them though, not their fault and I keep in touch with them to this day, but the favoritism was pretty evident.
zims 1 day ago
"Hey folks, you were always good about not playing favorites with us growing up, so it's kind of weird and very hurtful that you seem to be devoting all your praise and attention to brother's cooking skills and ignoring all of our accomplishments and talents, even when we go out of our way to share them with you. What gives?"
Nikole 1 day ago
Yeah, I would have done it that way too. Letting things fester is never good.
Load More Replies...
Joanne Earle 1 day ago
I mean clearly these siblings really care about each other....even the complimented brother felt bad that their parents blew off the OP's exciting news. So it's definitely the parents. I think all the siblings need to confront them together.
Vinnie 1 day ago
My father didn't fake his disappointments in me while relatively happy with one of my sisters and highly praising the other. I came to terms with it. A foul-tempered old fart's opinion was mitigated by my husband's happiness with me and good reviews and kindness from my co-workers and bosses. My sisters are great too. They had no issue with me not visiting him in the hospital before he died.
Load More Replies...
Otto Katz 2 days ago
My mother did a variation of this. I hated onions growing up, couldn't stand eating them. I'd pick them out of any food she put them in, and she put them in Everything. She knew this, but still wouldn't help me. It wasn't until younger sister brought home rich boyfriend who didn;t like onions that she started cooking without them. Really hurt me. As I am older and older, onions affect me more and more. Like physically ill. Won't go into details here. But the disrespect and lack of caring towards her own daughter has never left me.
Brian Droste 1 day ago
If you know what food or foods she don't like you should invite her over over a meal make withone or two of those foods for the meal or put small pieces of those in the food. If she says anything say that is what you did to me growing up.
Load More Replies... Wendy Miller 2 days ago
I get this. I'm the last of 5 kids. My one sister was the end all be all to my parents. It's like they forgot that the rest of their kids are accomplished, too. We had that talk with them to remind them we each have abilities that compliment and sometimes outstrip hers. It's tough when your parents act this way.
Daniel Gómez 1 day ago
My grandfather did this with my cousins and me. They were his golden grandchildren. I don't resent them though, not their fault and I keep in touch with them to this day, but the favoritism was pretty evident.
zims 1 day ago
"Hey folks, you were always good about not playing favorites with us growing up, so it's kind of weird and very hurtful that you seem to be devoting all your praise and attention to brother's cooking skills and ignoring all of our accomplishments and talents, even when we go out of our way to share them with you. What gives?"
Nikole 1 day ago
Yeah, I would have done it that way too. Letting things fester is never good.
Load More Replies... Joanne Earle 1 day ago
I mean clearly these siblings really care about each other....even the complimented brother felt bad that their parents blew off the OP's exciting news. So it's definitely the parents. I think all the siblings need to confront them together.
Vinnie 1 day ago
My father didn't fake his disappointments in me while relatively happy with one of my sisters and highly praising the other. I came to terms with it. A foul-tempered old fart's opinion was mitigated by my husband's happiness with me and good reviews and kindness from my co-workers and bosses. My sisters are great too. They had no issue with me not visiting him in the hospital before he died.
Load More Replies... 
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