It is important for parents to realize that blindly prioritizing their child above all else, without considering facts or fairness, is one of the most emotionally biased and harmful behaviors in parenting. When a parent assumes that their child can do no wrong, always tells the truth, or is always right simply because they are their own, it distorts the child’s understanding of accountability and truth. For example, if a child complains that a neighbor’s child hit him, and the parent immediately reacts—scolding the other child or confronting their parents without verifying what actually happened—it sends a dangerous message to the child. This kind of parenting teaches the child that they can twist situations to their advantage and avoid consequences, simply by playing the victim or being the first to speak.
Over time, this cultivates a sense of false superiority in the child. He begins to believe that he is above others and beyond reproach. Worse, he learns to manipulate situations emotionally to gain attention or protection, even when he is at fault. This lack of accountability in early life can lead to serious consequences later—difficulty in handling criticism, forming honest relationships, or functioning fairly in society. Such parenting, though driven by love, ultimately harms the child’s emotional development, self-awareness, and moral compass. True care for a child means not just defending them blindly, but teaching them honesty, fairness, and the courage to admit when they are wrong.
This kind of emotional favoritism also isolates the child socially. Other children may start avoiding or resenting someone who is always seen as being right in the eyes of adults, regardless of their actual behavior. As a result, the emotionally favored child may lose the chance to build healthy peer relationships, learn teamwork, or practice mutual respect. This creates an imbalance in social development and may lead to loneliness, frustration, or conflict in school and later in professional life. Instead of teaching the child how to coexist and resolve conflicts, the parent unknowingly nurtures a self-centered attitude, where the child expects others to always agree with him, just as his parents do.
Moreover, this approach can also affect the parent-child relationship in the long run. When children grow older and face the real world—where they are held accountable for their actions—they may either become overly defensive or emotionally fragile. They might even start blaming their parents for not preparing them properly for reality. Parenting is not about constantly shielding a child from criticism or discomfort; it’s about gradually teaching them how to face it with strength and wisdom. Giving your child unconditional love does not mean unconditional approval of everything they say or do. A balanced approach—where a child is both supported and corrected—builds integrity, resilience, and respect for others, all of which are essential for a successful and meaningful life.
