Is It Possible For a Mother to Love One Child, But Not Another?

January 23, 2009

Many mamas have admitted to playing favorites, but is it possible to love one child and not another? In a heart-wrenching article, a British mum of two, confessed that she has never loved her 11-year-old daughter, though she has an incredible bond with her 2-year-old. Some attribute the inability to love a child to postnatal depression and in this case the woman is working toward a bond with her daughter.

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12 Comments

RockAndRepublic 4 years

I think it's because the smaller children need her more then the older one does. But neglect is just a different ball game. She could run into peer pressure and other stuff in school and not have anyone to turn to.

PinkNC 4 years

Yes it can honestly happen. Sometimes the mother just doesn't have that connection with the child right off. Or they may loose that deep loving feeling for the child after putting up with so much mischief and grief over them, over the years. Just because the mother can't say she doesn't love the child, doesn't mean that she can't proper care for them until she finds what the problem is. Who knows, she may be going through a lot mentally and the loss of love for her husband could come next. I think as long as this woman acknowledges this problem within her and she's honestly getting some help on figuring out why she loves one child more than the other, so that she can fix it, then thats a great thing. Who knows, she may also find out that she honestly does love the child....she just loves them differently from the 2 year old.

pinkprincess1101 4 years

i cant say i love one more than the other, i just love them differently but love them equally.

MartiniLush 4 years

Wow - I feel so sorry for both the mother and child in this case. It sounds like she is seeking help for it, however, which is a good thing!

Great Sommelier 4 years

There is something wrong with the mother.

lickety split 4 years

i talked with a therapist about not feeling bonded with one of my children until she was 4 years old. the therapist said this was actually quite common, occurring in as many as 1/3 of all families, and that most parents didn't do anything about it because they felt bonded to their other children. i hope this woman does something about it.

bluepuppybites 4 years

that should maybe be studied...sorry messed that up

bluepuppybites 4 years

oh I've heard of that too CaterpillerGirl, I forgot about that. I can't say that it is all postpartum depression, I think there is something else going on and maybe a combination of factors, something that should me studied. I had postpartum depression and I still love my daughter to death and I know I'll love the one on the way just as much.

CaterpillarGirl 4 years

It happens alot, and I attribute it to the over use of unneeded drugs given during labor, which are proven to block the natural hormones and endorphins needed to bond with a baby.

Leene 4 years

I think it can happen and I think it should be discussed openly. I think post-partum depression is partly to blame. These parents and chilfren should get help. As I don't have my own kids yet... I can't really say anything else to this. BUT this women on dailymail crossed the line. How on earth could she have her kids photo published with this article?? The situation is horrible and yes the matter should be discussed.. but picture with name?

kia 4 years

It does happen and it is sad to watch. My sister loves her three youngest, but has no regard for her two oldest. She has never cared much for her 13 year-old and only in the past three years has emotionally abandoned her 17 year-old. It is really hard to watch as a family member as well as hear her openly confess to anyone like it is casual conversation.

scotlandrulz 4 years

yes it csan happen but that doesnt mean its right. hopefully my mum doesnt have a favourite - she loves me and my sister for different reasons

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