Parenting is a high-wire act, especially when you’re juggling the needs of kids from different marriages. Our story’s hero, let’s call him ‘Dad’, is caught in a classic parenting pickle. He’s got two kids, Cass, a sensitive 17-year-old who lives with her mom, and Mark, a boisterous 8-year-old who lives with him. When both kids end up with broken devices, Dad’s reactions are wildly different, sparking a family feud. Let’s dive into the drama…
Meet the Family
The Guilt-Driven Dad
Mark’s Strong Personality
Cass’s iPhone Incident
Mark’s iPad Mishap
Grounded!
Mom Steps In ️
Dad’s Defense ️
Mom’s Counter-Argument ⚖️
The Final Word
Dad’s Dilemma: A Tale of Two Broken Devices
So here’s the crux of the matter: Dad’s got two kids, each with a broken device. Cass, the distant, sensitive daughter gets her iPhone fixed without a hitch. Mark, the outspoken son, gets a stern lecture and a grounding for his broken iPad. Is this a case of parental favoritism or just different strokes for different folks? The debate is heating up, with Mom arguing for equal treatment and Dad defending his actions. But what do you think? Did Dad drop the ball or did he handle each situation as it needed to be handled? Let’s see what the internet has to say…
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YTA for unfair punishment and favoritism.
Daughter threw her phone, son’s iPad worn out. YTA for unfair punishment.
Unfair standards for kids’ responsibility? YTA, says commenters.
“YTA, and that was *before* your little ‘oops, forgot to mention she *told* her friend to throw it and he just had a charge port issue; that doesn’t matter, does it?’ stunt in the comments. What does that have to do with how reasonable it is to expect a 17 year old to demonstrate more responsibility with a brand-new, expensive possession compared to an 8 year old? If it was an accident and no harm done in her case, then the same should apply to Mark. If you think *he* needs to learn not to let it happen again, then so should she, especially when she should actually have some means of being able to pay her share of the repairs.”
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“YTA
So much YTA
You treat your elder daughter reasonably, but you treat your younger son like that? Yuck. He’s going to end up resenting you and his sister. You’re not teaching him anything except that you’ll treat him like s**t because of some misplaced guilt.” – Commenter
“Yes because it’s so reasonable to hold a 8 year old to higher standard then a 17 year old. Wtf you need to stop using your guilt when parenting because you are favouring one child Over another in a totally unreasonable way.” – Reply
“YTA. Setting up resentment and failure for him and his sister.”
YTA, listen to your wife!
Unfair treatment? YTA dad shows favoritism between kids’ mistakes.
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/1a03fd37-3368-4593-a05f-af0c1786d081.png)
“YTA, terrible father. Punishing Mark for no reason. “
YTA: No explanation needed
Unfair punishment for son, favoritism towards daughter.
Balancing responsibility and fairness in parenting can be challenging.
YTA. Unfair favoritism causing a rift between your kids.
“YTA. Parenting double standard. Daughter gets expensive reward, son punished.”
YTA. Obvious and unfair punishment? Let’s discuss!
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/6b87cdbc-e454-4655-9ffe-a966b173b058.png)
Blatant favoritism? YTA! Your wife is right.
Parenting: Fairness vs. Favoritism
Childhood favoritism can lead to long-term resentment and strained relationships.
OP’s bias is damaging relationships. Seek therapy for resentment.
“YTA- Unfair punishment for an 8yo, accidents happen.”
Double standard? YTA for being harder on him than her.
Independent daughter takes responsibility for her own mistakes.
YTA for blaming Mark. Cass might’ve lied for money
Are kids setting higher standards than adults these days?
