Dad's favourite child, affectionately (6)

I believe the answer is:

poppet

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'child affectionately' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'dad's favourite' is the wordplay.
'dad' becomes 'pop' (synonyms).
'favourite' becomes 'pet' (synonyms).
'pop'+'pet'='POPPET'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for poppet that I've seen before include "adorable child" , "Sweet or pretty child" , "dear" , "Sweet little darling" , "Term of affection for a child or sweetheart" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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