Maggie's Farm

Seems like parenting with a goal in mind has been around for thousands of years, with both references in the Bible, and the point of Oedipus Rex was that parents who abandon raising their child will suffer humiliation from it.

The author is a fool and reminds me of Prov 17:24.

Meanwhile, I'm not sure why parental approval should be rare. Seems like it's the easy reward to give when deserved, and one that strengthens the ties that bind. I realize that scarcity leads to value, but if you withhold earned affirmation, you get discouragement and rebellion.

As for exposing them to as many experiences and opportunities as possible, that is the 20th C parenting issue. Rarely, if ever, in history did this even cross the minds of parents, let alone was it something they pursued. Moreover, just because we now can do this, is it sensible to do so? Why not observe your kids and see what their inclination is, and let them have ready access to those opportunities? To do otherwise just subjects them to the tyranny of choice.

Prov 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go,
And when he is old he will not depart from it.

Deut 11:19 You shall teach them [commandments] to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

Prov 29:17 Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.