Is it normal to dislike one of your children?
It can happen to feel more frustrated, distant, or less fond of one child than another, especially during a difficult phase. The feeling doesn’t make you a bad parent, but how you treat each child matters.
Parents don’t always feel the same ease or warmth with every child. Temperament clashes, a rough stretch, stress, or feeling that one child needs more from you can make you feel resentful or disconnected. Sometimes “I dislike them” is shorthand for “I’m overwhelmed by how things are between us right now.”
You don’t have to force yourself to feel equally close every minute, but try to keep your care and discipline fair. If the feeling is intense or persistent, or you’re worried you might lash out or neglect a child, talk with someone you trust or a family therapist; getting support is a responsible step, not a confession of failure.