CHILD

 

From a child's point of view, parents provide the basic needs: good health, adequate nutrition, good caregiving, security and safety, and educational opportunities.  Most of this is obvious,  but parents need to see that education includes not just facts, figures, and the latest STEM training, but also how to think, form, and  respectfully discuss different opinions.

 Some parents are happy to produce a mini-me, even prefer the child replicates the mom and dad, adopting their beliefs and opinions.  Often parents are certain that their truth needs to be passed on and not questioned.

Going from dependent child to independent adult requires time and good relationships.  Gradually the child grows up to provide their own basic needs.  This may include going away to college, moving away from home, and becoming financially independent.   Along the way, independent thinking develops.  Some people will keep most of their parents opinions and beliefs while others may depart or evolve from their childhood beliefs.