Sybilla Hart, mother of five, addresses her children's accusations of favoritism toward her youngest son, Benny, who is seven. Hart acknowledges that she may treat Benny differently, citing his younger age and her own increased confidence as a parent at 38 compared to when she had her older children.
Hart describes reading Benny bedtime stories nightly and often staying until he falls asleep. She also breastfed him until he was four, a practice she did not extend to her older children, Isaac (19), Beatrice (16), Florence (14), and Celestia (11). She explains that with Benny, she felt more relaxed and trusted her instincts, delaying his nursery start until he was nearly three and a half, a year later than her other children.
She also noted that Benny is currently the only child requiring her full attention, as her older children are increasingly independent. Hart recounts an incident where Benny broke his arm, and she was overly anxious at the hospital, with doctors assuming she was a first-time mother. She also suggests that boys, in her experience, tend to be more straightforward and less emotional than girls, contributing to a different dynamic.
Hart's reflections were prompted by comedian Katherine Ryan's admission on a podcast that she had a favorite child, her eldest daughter Violet, 17. Ryan explained that Violet was born before Ryan achieved wealth and fame, differentiating her upbringing from her three younger children, whom Ryan described as "nepo babies" likely to benefit from private education and other advantages.
Hart argues against openly admitting to having a favorite child, believing it is unfair to the children. However, she concedes that while she loves all her children equally, she does fuss over Benny more. She maintains that it is natural for parents to find some children easier to connect with, particularly when younger children are still in a phase of expressing affection while older siblings may be more withdrawn.