BYU Study: Parents’ Comparison of Children Impacts Children’s Success

A new study released by Brigham Young University, found that parents’ comparisons of their children may impact the future success of their children.

Alex Jensen, BYU professor and lead author of the study, and Penn State co-author Susan McHale, asked parents from 17 districts in a northeastern state which of their children excelled in school. The research showed that the majority of parents thought that the firstborn was better, although their children’s academic achievement was very similar. The study found that the child whom parents believed was smarter tended to be more successful in the future. Jensen told BYU News,

[pull_quote_center]Parents’ beliefs about their children, not just their actual parenting, may influence who their children become.[/pull_quote_center]

Jensen continued by saying, “Parents tend to view older siblings as more capable, but on average older siblings are not doing better in school than their younger siblings. Parents also tend to think their daughters are more academically competent than their sons, and at least in terms of grades that seems to be true.”

The study shows the impact that parents’ opinions have on their children. The researchers concluded that in order for all of the children to have success, parents need to acknowledge each child’s strengths.

“It’s hard for parents to not notice or think about differences between their children, it’s only natural,” Jensen said. “But to help all children succeed, parents should focus on recognizing the strengths of each of their children and be careful about vocally making comparisons in front of them.”