Parental Favoritism: A Recipe for Success and Failure
Chapters 25- 30 express how favoritism from parents can create hatred between siblings and a different point of view on life. Jacob and Esau, children of Isaac and Rebekah experience favoritism where each parent chooses one kin to take care of more. Their mother, Rebekah, even at one point tells Jacob to take the blessing of Esau resulting in the wishes of Esau to kill his brother.
Every child with siblings fight over their parents’ love and attention, but when it comes to the very serious matter of murdering, the fault not only falls on the selfishness of the child but on the adult. Favoritism is a part of human nature, but when vulnerable lives and emotions of children enter the equation, all parents should try their best to treat everyone fairly.
Unfortunately, I am personally aware of situations where the more successful child in a family receives all the attention of the family. A member of my soccer team has played with me for over five years, and in these five years I have yet to see a game where both parents do not arrive to watch. Parental support at the game is great for the player and sideline encouragement helps the game progress, but I often wonder where her younger sister is while competing. A mere ten year old should not stay at home alone as often as our games occur and I am not aware of any caretaker for the child. When I have conversed with the girl’s younger sister, a sense of hatred comes up for my friend and the game of soccer. She did not immediately succeed while playing so her parents pulled her out of the league permanently.
I understand the want to do well as I come off as a very competitive person, however punishing a child for not having a passion in one area of their life should not be accepted. Lacking proper attention as a child often leads to mental instability in later years of life. All children should receive equal attention and praise for their honorable qualities. Love and care should balance among children for a prospering life.
Julia-
I completely agree with your thoughts towards parental favoritism. In a lesser degree, I myself have encountered several situations where I stop and think if I really am appreciated as much as others in my family. I do however, realize that it can be difficult for my parents to appreciate all of my siblings and myself since there are four of us. I believe that parents often will follow and accommodate the child which has the greatest talent or ability, which they can use to converse with their friends. My own mom does this sometimes even without noticing. She will brag about how my younger brother made it on to the soccer all-star team, but when asked about having a son with his own business, she tries to change the subject, and sometimes even deny the statement. Anyways, I really think you have a strong point here that definitely is a rising problem in society today. So nice job on this piece! You have some really good ideas.