I think I’m the “golden child”-what do I do?

[Anonymous]

Without putting labels on anything, I think my dad might have a personality disorder of some sort. I’m much older than my half sister, and moved out to go to college when she was still a little kid. I’ve always managed to maintain a peace with my father, difficult as he is. But over Christmas I started to see some signs that her relationship with him is even worse and I guess I might be the “golden child” of the family dynamic. She’s REALLY struggling and failing out of college. Is there something I can do to help? Even to just validate her?

[Anonymous]

Maybe your sister also has a personality disorder if she is flunking out of college. You can give her a call and ask how she is doing, offer gentle advice is she has a problem, but I would beware of becoming sucked into fixing her life.

[Anonymous]

What’s your relationship like with your sister? I would just support her, show her you care about her, check in with her frequently. If you haven’t been very close, now is the time to try to close that gap. Family support, even if it’s not from her dad, can go a long way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What’s your relationship like with your sister? I would just support her, show her you care about her, check in with her frequently. If you haven’t been very close, now is the time to try to close that gap. Family support, even if it’s not from her dad, can go a long way.

+1. Just be there for her. Don’t raise this issue with her, but don’t dismiss her if she brings it up (which it sounds like you won’t). You’re a good person, OP.