Chapter 13 the family

Since the start of this book, I had developed a feeling that the author did not have a very good relationship with his parents. There were subtle clues throughout all of the chapters leading to chapter 13. He had hinted throughout the book of his parents not being supportive of his career aspirations and Life choices. Chapter 13 really affirms that not only by his strong conviction towards parenting affect on their child's happiness even into adult life, but also you can observe how much the subject matter is important to him on a personal level, because this is the longest chapter in the book.

This chapter, he titles the family however his focus throughout the chapter is really on parenting and it's effects on a child and who they grow into as an adult. 

While I don't agree with everything that Bertrand feels about parenting, probably due to his unfortunate experiences with his own parents, there are other parts in which I do strongly concur with his opinions on the matter. 

I also think that some areas where my opinions may differ a little then his probably have something to do with the era in which he lived and the lifestyle he was accustomed to; such as having servants and nannies at his disposal etc.

However I feel a stronger agreement with his arguments regarding the subject matter on pages 183 and 184. Although I don't agree on his views about a parent having power over their child. I do agree with him that if a child has reached an age in which they are able to do something on their own, a parent that continues to do these things for them, rather than encouraging them to learn on their own, is selfish in wanting to hold on to their child's need for them, and in doing so is only hindering their child from the joy of those learning experiences. 

Although those milestones can be bittersweet, for me I know that the rewarding them was seeing my child grow and learn and become his own person; and they were times of immense pride in my son for accomplishing something on his own.

I really like how he says that this parent who genuinely desires the child's welfare is one who is pure and heart and that they will be guided by impulse and that the relationship between that parent and child will be harmonious from the first to last. And that parents of a child who was raised like, will not have to worry about rebellion in adolescence, because of the respect that is established between the parents and the child. I also agree with him that a mutual respect is also necessary and marriage and in friendships. He says there is a need for this kind of gentleness and all aspects of life but most of all where children are concerned.