Mirror

Mirror???

Without being aware of it children, by osmosis, acquire many of their parents’ values and behaviors. This is certainly true for Jill in Baggage burdens.

    

Frank, Jill’s father, struggled with being an inadequate parent. Men at work often bragged about hunting and playing sports with their sons. Their knowledge of their children’s interests contrasted sharply with Frank’s knowledge of his daughters’ desires. Frank’s lack of involvement led him to conclude he wasn’t a good father.

 The same sense of inadequacy plagued Jill. As Daniel, her first son, grew older he increasingly worked and played more with his father, Joseph. Jill felt left out. Horrified at the prospect of being an inattentive parent like her father, Jill attempted to draw Daniel back into her world. Daniel resisted Jill’s efforts for him to take home schooling like his sister, Amber. Jill’s persistence resulted in Daniel believing his mother was manipulative and self-centered. Similarly, Frank, making Jill to be an obedient child, also created a hostile relationship.

Alice, Jill’s mother, a United Church member, planted the seed of faith in her daughter. Jill’s grandmother’s church involvement and love reinforced Jill’s comfort with other people from the United Church.

                                                                                                           

What values or behaviors have you inherited from your parents? 

Next Post: Effects of Family Life 

Knowing family history helps explain Joseph’s behaviors and values. Jill’s children are also shaped by their family life too.

                                                                                               

Next post, the Mirror, looks at how Baggage burdens. shows how many of the parent’s values mold their children.