In a world where every achievement counts, how do we reward our children fairly? One mom found herself in the hot seat when her celebration of her daughter’s academic success led to accusations of favoritism from her older child. Let’s dive into this emotional rollercoaster of family dynamics, misunderstandings, and the struggle for fairness.
Meet the Achiever

The Internal Struggle

The Triumph

The Celebration

The Accusation

The Explanation ️

The Argument

The Aftermath

The Parenting Dilemma ♀️

The Clarification

The Reflection

The Realization

The Plan

Favoritism or Fairness: The Parenting Conundrum
In a whirlwind of emotions, a mother finds herself in a challenging situation. After rewarding her 12-year-old daughter for her first straight-A report card, her older daughter accuses her of favoritism. Despite attempts to explain the unique struggles her younger daughter faces due to ADHD, the tension escalates. The older daughter, a consistent achiever, feels her accomplishments are undervalued. The mother, caught in the middle, reflects on the situation and realizes that perhaps she needs to address her older daughter’s feelings more thoroughly. She plans to sit down with her and have an open discussion. Let’s see what the internet thinks of this situation…
Celebration Dilemma: YTA for favoritism or fair play?
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Unfair reward system caused resentment and imposter syndrome. Treat equally.

Rewarding effort and not results is better in the long run

“YTA. The least-favorite child shares her list of favoritism examples. “

Imbalance in treatment affects perspectives; communicate expectations to avoid resentment

Sibling favoritism sparks debate: YTA for punishing older daughter?

“Youngest child’s needs aren’t as obvious, but still important.”

Unfair favoritism sparks resentment. Celebrate surviving the pandemic together!

YTA – Unequal treatment breeds resentment and damages relationships.

Rewarding one child while neglecting the other? YTA
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Sibling favoritism sparks tension. YTA for punishing one daughter.

The overlooked ‘good kid’ feels unappreciated compared to struggling sibling.

Rewarding one child can motivate the others. YTA.

Mixed feelings about praising youngest daughter, but older daughter’s perspective matters too.

“Favoritism or Fair Play? YTA for unequal celebration. “

Rewarding equally avoids issues and strengthens family bonds

Favoritism sparks family feud: Recognition vs. constant work and dedication
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“YTA. Expensive dinner vs. bike? Talk to your daughter “

Sibling rivalry and mental health struggles spark discussion on fair treatment

Playing favorites? YTA! Siblings’ accomplishments shouldn’t be devalued.

Unfair favoritism sparks sibling rivalry

“YTA. Unfair favoritism with gifts. Setting up unrealistic expectations. “

Rewarding neurodivergent child breeds resentment among neurotypical siblings.

“YTA. Favoritism hurts. Find a way to make it up.”

NTA – Celebrating achievements and avoiding favoritism can boost morale

Sibling rivalry sparks emotional response to perceived favoritism.

“YTA dinner and a bike are hefty rewards, especially since you never did anything like that for the other child. More importantly, praise her efforts, not the product. “

NTA. Celebrating a sibling’s achievement shouldn’t breed jealousy.

YTA: Older daughter deserves equal recognition and appreciation. Apologize!

“YTA: One daughter praised and gifted, other daughter dismissed and underappreciated.”

Reward effort, not grades. Hard work deserves equal recognition.

“YTA. Make it right and motivate your eldest. “

Acknowledging effort for straight As, even for a healthy child

Parent accused of favoritism sparks heated debate among commenters.

Rewarding struggle vs. consistent delivery: the perils of favoritism.

“YTA. Damaging relationships and not listening to your oldest daughter.”

Playing favorites? YTA sparks heated family feud!

“Favoritism or Fair Play?” Parents and children debate differing expectations.

NTA: Understanding the 15yo’s feelings and suggesting ways to connect

Sibling favoritism: different standards, mature daughter, appropriate response/gift?

Sibling rivalry and favoritism: A delicate balance of love and attention

“YTA. Reward both kids equally or it’s playing favorites. “

“Unintentional YTA: A divisive move with good intentions? “

The verdict is in: YTA. Sparks fly in family feud!

Eldest child feeling unfairly pressured because of younger sister’s ADHD

YTA but you can fix it! Set goals for both daughters.

Sibling rivalry: Unfair treatment leads to strained relationships and resentment

Reflecting on equal treatment for the older daughter.

Eldest son feels overlooked, sparks favoritism debate.

Sibling rivalry escalates: Favoritism or fair play?

Celebrating achievements: balancing fairness and individual recognition is crucial.

Unfair rewards and special treatment: resentment lingers in this family

Effort vs Natural Talent: Should Hard Work Be Rewarded Equally?

Stop justifying, be a better parent!

Oldest sibling feels overlooked for achievements, suggests alternative rewards.

“YTA. Unfair treatment growing up led to resentment and lack of motivation.”

“Favoritism or Fair Play? YTA’s unequal praise sparks family feud!”

Rewarding differently for potty training: YTA, NAH or ESH?

“YTA. Apologize and make it right with a special gift! “

Unfair rewards: OP’s daughter feels overlooked for her hard work.

Sibling rivalry: Material rewards vs family experiences. Who’s right?

“YTA You’re playing favorites. Older daughter worked hard for As. Don’t dismiss her.”

YTA: Favoritism can have long-lasting negative effects on children.

Parent’s favoritism sparks debate on praising effort vs grades.

“She’s mad we show favoritism, so I explained why we do”

“YTA- Favoritism hurts self-esteem. Younger daughter feels inferior. “

“YTA for not trying to make amends. Treat them equally! “

“YTA 100%, treat your kids equally! “

Explosive family feud over favoritism and broken trust.

Is it favoritism or fair play? The younger daughter’s struggle.

YTA. Make it right by validating their feelings and compromising.

Commenter questions purpose of seeking judgement and arguing with others.

Rewards causing sibling rivalry? Balance rewards and celebrate together!

Favoritism and hurt feelings: A bike, grades, and dinner ️

“Same results should get the same praise.”

“YTA. Favoring one child can have lasting emotional consequences. “

“Rewarding for expected behavior won’t prepare her for real life.”
