Name: a.student

Slo, CA

Number of kids: 2

Ages of kids: 1 & 2

Problem: My family likes my first born daughter(2), more than my son (1). Actually, they dislike my son completely. How do I get them to accept him and not play favorites? They are constantly buying for my daughter, and "can't find" anything for my son.

Solution submitted by Kendell from Henderson, Nevada: My heart hurts for you. We are blessed with 3 boys and a girl on the way. I remember at a friends shower, a mother saying that her daughter "better have a girl" because boys are such trouble. As a mother of three well behaved (as well as can be expected for kids of any gender) boys, I felt somewhat upset. Could the gender difference have something to do with it? I want to hug you and be of more help. Since I can't, and my help is limited, know it is their loss in the long run.

Please try and share with them your feelings, if it is possible. I feel it is so hard to live with these kinds of unresolved feelings. GOOD LUCK!! Know that BOTH your children are special, no matter what others may say or do.

Another solution submitted by Andre of India: Hi there! There is so much info missing. By family do you mean children's grandparents? Is the father of both children different? Are you dependent on these family members? The prejudice can be removed by two means. One is by understanding the root cause and comforting these family members head on. The other is by telling them clearly that all gifts for your children be given to you, and you maintain an equilibrium while handing it over to them. Just do not let people give complexes to your kids. Take care, and keep us posted.