Playing Favorites
In Genesis 25: 27-28 we see parent playing favorites. This always leads to trouble. Here it causes friction between two brothers and separates them for many years. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers because of jealousy created by favoritism.
It is easy for us to judge Isaac & Rebecca, but as a mother of five I understand how easily this can happen. In this case the favoritism arose from similar interests and likes. Isaac love Esau because he was a hunter and brought home his favorite food. Rebecca loved Jacob because he spent time with her in the tents, probably conversing a lot.
Although I didn't realize what I was doing at that time, my daughters have accused me of playing favorites, especially with my only son. He was the most rebellious, and needed a lot of attention. But we both enjoyed deep and meaningful conversation so I spent more time with him than I realized. In the end this caused jealousy, and kept me a little out of touch with my daughters. All my children are grown now and following God, but I am just beginning to see the error of my ways.
My suggestion for new moms is to set aside the same amount of time for each child every week. You may sometimes have to spend more time with one child to deal with issues, but don't take away any of the time from the other children. This seems to be the fairest way.
It is easy for us to judge Isaac & Rebecca, but as a mother of five I understand how easily this can happen. In this case the favoritism arose from similar interests and likes. Isaac love Esau because he was a hunter and brought home his favorite food. Rebecca loved Jacob because he spent time with her in the tents, probably conversing a lot.
Although I didn't realize what I was doing at that time, my daughters have accused me of playing favorites, especially with my only son. He was the most rebellious, and needed a lot of attention. But we both enjoyed deep and meaningful conversation so I spent more time with him than I realized. In the end this caused jealousy, and kept me a little out of touch with my daughters. All my children are grown now and following God, but I am just beginning to see the error of my ways.
My suggestion for new moms is to set aside the same amount of time for each child every week. You may sometimes have to spend more time with one child to deal with issues, but don't take away any of the time from the other children. This seems to be the fairest way.
