Fathers Favor Daughters, Mothers Favor Sons?

Without question, parents love their children unconditionally. This goes without saying, a complete familial *duh*. However, behavioural studies in animals have led many people to believe that there is a gender gap that makes particular children more favorable to each parent. Namely, fathers favoring their "daddy's girls" while mothers dote on their "mom-ma's boys".

"Daddy's girl" "Mom-ma's boy"? Not just a saying in many households, but a fact-a thick layer of obvious gender favouritism covering a an ugly pool of emotional distance, jealousy, denial, and yes, anger.

In the animal kingdom, think of say, a wolf pack or a lion pride. In the beginnings of a young animal's life, the single goal for the whole active community is in keeping this new fragile generation alive. Without it, the whole community suffers greatly. As the cubs and pups grow, their genders start to play a major role in the future of the pack or pride. Fathers and mothers within the community must now begin to see their offspring as potential threats as opposed to their youngsters by sheer gender alone.

Obviously more prevalent in the males of both species, the alpha male will look at his own male offspring as opponents trying to overthrow him. Instinctively, these young male cubs and pups begin seeing the alpha in the same light. A great need for the height of the pedestal in the community arises, often causing the alpha male to succumb to his younger and more powerful, agile sons who take over his role as Top Dog (or cat) in the community.