Ask Amy: Wisdom from readers starts the year off right
Dear Reader: This is beautiful!
Dear Amy: Here’s a suggestion for children who feel their parents prefer one of their siblings over them.
I remember as a 13-year-old once telling my dad that I felt that he treated me differently than my younger siblings.
This was his response: "You are absolutely right. I do treat you differently and I realize that sometimes it may seem like I expect more from you than I do your sister or brother. That's because you have different skills, talents and needs than they do. In some areas, you are stronger and more capable than your siblings, and in other areas your siblings are. And you may not notice when I try to help you through those. But I do not love you any less and you are just as important to me."
Even more capable, successful and financially comfortable children need to hear that they are equally loved by their parents.
— Loving Daughter (and Loved) Big Sister
Dear Daughter: Dad was wise.
Dear Amy: A reader complained about being left to clean up alone after Thanksgiving.
My family handles it in a way that’s fun and fair.
Before dinner, each guest draws a folded piece of paper from a jar with a clean-up chore written on it. There are two identical papers for each job. (Clear table, rinse dishes, put away leftovers, etc.)
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