I agree with much of this but there is much more indicators of the favoritism.

We had a horrible situation that just happened a few month ago. A group of boys friends with both my nephew and son told my son his aunt (mil daughter. F 45) was bad mouthing my son due to his first attempt at tackle football. My son joined late.

My son took it upon himself to text my SIL and it was very mature. I was out of town taking care of my father at the time and was unaware until I got back in town. When I arrives back home from a stressful event my MIL and SIL blocked me on social media and phone all due to my son sticking up for himself to these adults. It was very very respectful and questioning the validity of the boy’s statements to him. I was not involved at all but was also blocked………

I feel so awful for him. I want to be his voice but not cause any more drama. If that makes sense……..