A study of 1,803 mums and dads showed on average the younger child receives a more favourable response than their elder sibling on 59 per cent of occasions.
Parents are more likely to side with a younger child in an argument, lavish them with more attention, let them have their own way and spend longer reading with them, it emerged.
The study also found the younger one also benefits from more treats and cuddles, because their parents find it harder to say no.
Lin Griffiths, Relationship Counsellor and Family Advisor with Relate, talks about how to prevent sibing rivalry...
Are you more likely to side with your younger children? If you are an oldest born do you think your parents sided with your siblings over you when you were children? Do you find it hard to say no to your youngest kids?
Have your say in our Daily Dilemma group discussion...
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