Which child is usually the father's favorite?

Why Daughters Often Hold a Special Place in Parents’ Hearts

For years, there’s been a common assumption that fathers lean toward sons and mothers gravitate toward daughters. It just seemed to make sense—shared interests, similar temperaments, or cultural expectations. But recent findings suggest reality might be a little more surprising.

A study released in early 2025 turned that assumption on its head. Researchers discovered that both mothers and fathers are more likely to name a daughter as their favorite child. Yes, even fathers—who one might expect to bond more closely with sons—tend to show a slight preference for their daughters.

Why might this be? While the data doesn’t draw firm conclusions, some psychologists suggest that daughters often engage in more emotionally open and nurturing relationships with parents, which can deepen bonds over time. Additionally, societal shifts have made it more acceptable for parents to express tenderness and emotional connection, traits often encouraged more in girls from a young age.

That said, favoritism—even if subtle—isn’t always about gender alone. Birth order, personality, or life circumstances often play bigger roles. But the fact that daughters come out on top in these reports speaks volumes about evolving family dynamics.

It’s not about competition between siblings—it’s about how connection forms. And sometimes, that bond just happens to run a little deeper with a daughter. Still, every child is unique, and so is every parent-child relationship. The real takeaway? Love may have patterns, but it rarely follows rules.