Dr. Laura, 

My mother gave my 9-year-old son a $5 board game wrapped in flowered paper with a pink bow. Earlier, she had given my 11-year-old niece an $80 jacket for her birthday. My mother always favored my brother's children, but this was over the top. I stopped talking to her for a week, but then my father called and talked me into speaking to her again. I will always regret this because she continued to show favoritism and I put my two sons through a lot of pain for a long time. Something happened recently that finally sent me over the edge and I have not talked to my mother in 2 months. 

When I listen to some of your callers and they complain about similar mothers, I just want to scream and yell, "Run!!!!! Don't give her another chance. It will never change and you will forever regret not letting go sooner." 

Jo Ann  



As a parent, when did you catch yourself showing favoritism between your children? Share your story by signing up for the FREE Dr. Laura Family and send an email here.