The notion that parents love their last-born more is a common misconception. While it's true that parents might shower their youngest with more attention and affection, this doesn't necessarily translate to a greater degree of love.
The perceived favoritism towards the last-born stems from a few factors:
- Parental experience: By the time the youngest child arrives, parents are more relaxed and experienced. They may be more patient and understanding, having learned from past parenting experiences.
- Shifting roles: As the last-born grows, their parents are likely entering a new stage in their lives. They may be more financially secure, have more time to spend with their children, and be less focused on their careers.
- Unique bond: The last-born often has a more intimate relationship with their parents, being the only child at home for a period of time. This exclusivity can foster a special bond.
It's important to remember that every parent-child relationship is unique. While some parents may indeed show more overt affection towards their youngest, it doesn't necessarily indicate they love them more than their other children.
