DEAR ABBY: Perhaps you have room for one more letter on sibling rivalry:
When Cindi, my second daughter, was born, Camille, my first, was about 18 months old. Whenever I cradled Cindi in my arms and Camille was nearby, I would make a point of saying to the baby, "Oh, Cindi, I hope you grow up to be as wonderful as Camille. Camille is so sweet and such a special daughter. You're so lucky to have her as your sister. And we are so blessed to have her as our daughter."
Cindi felt my love as I held her, and Camille understood the words and my loving gesture as I took her little hand in mine or patted her head lovingly. I did the same thing when Sabrina was born -- but now I had two older daughters to include in the loving circle.
My daughters are all adults now -- fulfilled in their careers, and still completely loving and supportive of each other. And, I must say, I am a very proud father! -- ORLANDO K. CELLUCCI, RENO, NEV.
DEAR ORLANDO: You are to be congratulated. Not only did you ensure that each of your daughters maintained a high level of self-esteem when the next child arrived, you also managed at the same time to quell any feelings of sibling rivalry. Other parents could learn from you.