Most parents aren’t even aware of how often they compare their children. . . . Comparisons carry the suggestion that specific conditions exist for parental love and acceptance. Thus, even when one child comes out on top in a comparison she is left feeling uneasy about the tenuousness of her position and the possibility of faring less well in the next comparison.
ATTRIBUTION:
Marianne E. Neifert (20th century), U.S. pediatrician, professor and author. Dr. Mom’s Parenting Guide, ch.4 (1991).
