A Child's “Station in Life”

Abstract

This article deals with one of the most controversial issues within the generational planning world: how best to decide what and how much to give to children? It starts with a description of major parental themes throughout the ages and closes with a focus on the child. What is the obligation of parents to their children? How is law involved in setting those obligations? Why do parents assume that too much wealth can ruin a child? What is viewed as a “successful life”? What are a child's expectations? What are a child's rights? What role do parents play in encouraging or discouraging those expectations? When should children be entitled to rely on their expectations? When might the law enforce those expectations? The author hopes that her discussion will shift the focus of today's debate (“How much is ‘too much’ to leave to children?”) to the basic issues of justice and fairness.