Parents vs. Children

In "The Most Powerful Question A Parent Can Ask..." by Neil Millar, the author questions whether in the long run, the situation in a typical home is beneficial to the children. In "Be-ers and Doers" by Budge Wilson, an overbearing mother wants the best for her children, but only based on her ideals. The approach of the parents in "The Most Powerful Question a Parent Can Ask..." is more respectful towards the children.

Driven by the resentment of having a "be-er" husband the mother in the story "Be-ers and Do-ers" strives to make Albert into the "perfect son", "a fast-moving doer". Thinking she has his best interests at heart as many mothers do, she raises him to be the person she wants him to be rather than who he was born to be. Instead of encouragement towards Albert when he brings home his report card, his mother tells him that she is going to "light a fire under his feet" for he is so lazy. She is unaware of the consequences her actions will bring. Albert grows strong resentment towards his mother and had she shown him more respect he could of developed into his own person and thus been a more pleasant, independent adult.

Millar writes a very different story, in the “The Most Powerful Question a Parent Can Ask...” Millar explains the connection between work ethics and responsibility to how a child will grow up. Responsibilities are necessary for children to develop into independent adults. He also says that a mindful parent can ask their child to take part in chores, to not only share the load but improve their disposition for the future. Proof supplied is a "Maasai tribe leader appointed a seven year old girl as the person in charge of two-thirds of his village’s wealth," which shows that children are very capable of working. Also, a chart is provided showing kids that work a short amount of hours get better marks in school. Millar depicts a very respectful way in which children should be raised.

Through the assessment of these works it is apparent that raising your child to have responsibilities and independence is the more respectful approach. Trying to make you child into the person you want them to be rather than who they are meant to be will only result in an unhealthy relationship and resentment.