Children can at time go through phases where it appears that a child prefers one parent more than the other. The following article discusses this in more detail:
At times parents notice from their child’s behaviour & how they are acting, that they are favouring one parent over the other.
Behaviour Analysts highlight that this at times, is noticed when the child seems to take their frustration & anger out on one parent in particular, has difficulty managing anger around that particular parent, or may also present with tantrums & other behaviour challenges more so around that parent.
On the other hand then, the child may display more attention-seeking behaviours towards the preferred parent, may be more inclined to go to the more preferred parent for comfort & to show affection, may compete with their siblings for that parent’s attention in the form of sibling rivalry, & they are more inclined to listen to that parent & to do as that parent asks.
Some Tips From The Field Of Behaviour Analysis On How Parents Can Work On Resolving This Issue:
1) When Parenting, Make Sure That The Least Preferred Parent Is In Charge Of Some Of The Fun Things, For Example, Bedtime Stories, Going To The Park, Etc.
2) Behaviour Therapists Recommend That The Preferred Parent Give The Child & The Least Preferred Parent Space To Do These Activities Together, In Order To Allow The Other Parent Their Time To Shine.
3) The Least Preferred Parent Should Have As Much Fun As Possible With The Child, So That The Child Develops A Positive Association With Them, & It Helps To Build Their Bond.
4) Child Therapists Underline The Benefit Of The Preferred Parent Letting The Least Preferred Parent Do Activities With The Child Without Stepping In To Advise/Help.
5) It Can Be Good For The Least Preferred Parent To Start New Traditions With The Child That Only The Two Of Them Do, For Example, Counting The Stars At Bedtime, Gathering Shells At The Beach, Etc.
6) It Is Important To Remember To Keep Working On It & The Phase Where A Child Prefers One Parent Should Pass.
To Book A Consultation To Get Help Managing Your Child’s Behaviour Either In-Person Or Via Zoom:
Call: 00353 89 451 1432
Or
E-mail: thechildbehaviourconsultancy@outlook.ie
Or
Click Here To Fill Out A Contact Form.
