| Adapted from an online discussion. Dear Carolyn: My dear friend has two elementary-aged children. My problem is that she treats them differently. The younger is quite indulged and coddled, while she (the mom) is very short with and quick to criticize the older child. I know the older, a really wonderful child, feels the difference. I know it’s not my place to say anything, but I think my friend truly prefers the younger child over the older one, but I’m not sure what, if anything, I should do about it. I worry about the older child. My friend went through a nasty divorce several years ago, and I’ve really admired her strength throughout the whole process. I’m sure parenting has been very difficult for her. — Worried | 
