Parenting Beneath the Surface

Parenting beneath the Surface

Parenting; what really is parenting? Parenting is defined as the process of raising a child until it becomes an adult. In “The Truth about Parenting”, Marjorie Downie describes the job of being a parent as high risked, a job that a parent should expect to get low returns on all the investments made, meaning that all the time and money spent that you put into your child, will be a waste. She suggests that because of the investments you will become financially challenged. Personally, I do not feel as if this is the case in all situations. I believe that being a parent gives you insight into a developing mind. It allows you to experience joys in the tiniest of things, be able to bond and love someone who is completely dependable on you for many things like the decisions you make for them in life such as choosing the right school for example. Downie also implies that good parenting is a mystery, but parents are not the only influences in the child’s life, there is the media, friends and teachers who help to shape the minds of the children. Clearly, Downie’s view is one sided. Parenthood, while it does have its downsides, comes with many good moments, not just mainly downs as Downie portrays as she talks about what she thinks a parent’s job is and what it consists of.

According to Downie, once you know that you are becoming a parent, you might as well look forward to “end your days bankrupt or at best financially challenged.” She is saying that you should forget about your dreams of ever becoming rich, because when you’re a parent it never happens, that you will never be able to have and keep money for yourself. However, it depends on the circumstances of different families. You can be a family where you are financially stable, or where you plan and spend your monies wisely, even when you’re not as well off as other families. To become financially stabled you can make saving a habit. Make a personal and family budget and a list on...