Parents Really Do Have A Favorite Child

If you ask my two big sisters, they claim I'm the favorite.  My parents certainly loved us all equally but I have to admit, yeah I probably was because I am the baby of the family.  Turns out parents really do have a favorite child and it's ok!

According to a new survey, turns out mom and dad do pick favorites.  And if you are the baby of the family that means you.  There are a variety of reasons for this.  It might not be because you are so charming, it could simply be because parents have a few things figured out before the last one comes along.  It could also be that parents have more resources by the time the baby comes along and that makes them feel more relaxed.  You just came along at a better time in their lives.

The survey also found that while firstborns aren't always the favorite they do go to their mothers for advice and spend more time with her as an adult.  And I can tell you from personal experience, we moms like that.

The survey found that the middle child may not get  as much attention  but they might not demand as much attention, does the phrase "Marsha Marsha Marsha" mean anything to you?

Just because parents might have a "favorite" it does not mean they love that child more.  To learn more about this phenomenon, get more details from the BBC right here.

Choosing where to settle down and raise your children is an important decision. Your job and being around family are important. But so are other factors like schools, cost of living, recreational activities, and more. That's why our friends at StorageCafe released a data-driven report on the best cities for families with kids. And one North Carolina city ranked as one of the best to raise children in. While we already know that NC is a great place, it's nice to see it confirmed by others!

What makes a great environment for raising children? Safe neighborhoods, access to quality education, and cultural and outdoor opportunities for one. Additionally, in this economy, you need to factor in affordability and the job market. With families in mind, Storage Cafe ranked the 100 largest cities in the country. Rankings were based on 29 metrics, including public school ratings, safety, home prices, cost of groceries, the share of families with children, cultural and outdoor recreation opportunities, and more. 

Below you'll find the 10 Top Best Cities for families across the country. You'll see and learn a little more about the North Carolina city representing as a great place to raise children. Keep reading to see where the other North Carolina metros ranked as well. You can read the full Storage Cafe study here.

Public Schools Ranking: 1

Average Family Income: $116,046

Groceries Cost: 103

Childcare Cost: $1,294

Home Prices: $533,433

Public Schools Ranking: 15

Average Family Income: $92,712

Groceries Cost: 100

Childcare Cost: $1,505

Home Prices: $377,992

Public Schools Ranking: 11

Average Family Income: $82,870

Groceries Cost: 97

Childcare Cost: $1,689

Home Prices: $266,570

Public Schools Ranking: 7

Average Family Income:$84,436

Groceries Cost: 94

Childcare Cost: $1,289

Home Prices:$515,432

Public Schools Ranking: 12

Average Family Income: $96,846

Groceries Cost: 101

Childcare Cost: $1,377

Home Prices: $457,510

Public Schools Ranking: 13

Average Family Income: $190,089

Groceries Cost: 115

Childcare Cost:$1,866

Home Prices: $834,611

Public Schools Ranking: 17

Average Family Income: $81,972

Groceries Cost: 98

Childcare Cost:$1,400

Home Prices: $284,944

Public Schools Ranking: 29

Average Family Income: $97,829

Groceries Cost: 100

Childcare Cost: $1,455

Home Prices: $374,971

Public Schools Ranking: 2

Average Family Income: $121,153

Groceries Cost: 97

Childcare Cost: $1,193

Home Prices: $642,650

Public Schools Ranking: 25

Average Family Income: $64,164

Groceries Cost: 92

Childcare Cost:$972

HOme Prices: $208,767

Public Schools Ranking: 37

Average Family Income:$55,361

Groceries Cost: 96

Childcare Cost: $1,143

Homes Prices: $245,709

Public Schools Ranking: 49

Average Family Income: $86,107

Groceries Cost: 99

Childcare Cost: $1,387

Home Prices: $402,643

Public Schools Ranking: 32

Average Family Income: $58,500

Groceries Cost: 95

Childcare Cost: $1,132

Home Prices: $238,243

Public Schools Ranking: 59

Average Family Income: $83,996

Groceries Cost: 99

Childcare Cost: $1,304

Home Prices: $422,306