I chose not to have children and therefore, rarely respond to these threads.

But I will tell you of a friend of mine. She has a son. He was 13 last month. She was in her 30's when he was born. She admits it was easier to bribe him with candy or toys or give him what he wanted than to tell him "no." She said it was because of her age. He was late speaking because he did not have to talk. All he had to do was point and there was someone offering him whatever he wanted.

Now he is a pudgy boy who, according to his mother, has trouble making friends. I can understand that. Being friends means compromise and sharing. It means taking turns and letting someone else go first. He has not had much practice at any of these.

And, though I would NEVER say anything to her....I avoid being around him.

I hope as he gets older he gets better at these skills. But I fear she hasn't done him any favor as it will be harder for him to learn as he gets older.