How did Bernice and Sally's parenting shape George and Irene's paths? Do mothers have control over what kids do later in life? Is that a good or bad thing? What responsibility does a mother have to her children and their happiness?

How did the way Bernice and Sally raised them affect George and Irene's career choices and paths? Do mothers have any control over what their kids choose do later in life? Do you think that's a good thing or a bad thing? What responsibility does a mother have to her children and their happiness?

This is a four-part question. I'll tackle the last question. No, a mother is not responsible for her child's happiness. The mother is responsible with providing a loving growing-up that will equip a child to make his/her own happiness.

No, mothers do not have control over what kids do later in life...that is a good thing. A mother has the responsibility to do the best she can to provide for her child, cherish them and show them the meaning of love.

I think parents instill certain values and knowledge in their children, but the child will grow into whatever kind of person he choses. In my own family my kids are very alike in their manners and morals but their professions and political choices are polar opposites. Mothers need to give their children a safe environment and the best example that they can give. No one is responsible for another persons happiness. It is up to each of us to find our own joy.

Raising a child is similar to writing a book with the exception of the ending....your child writes the ending.

Mothers need to prepare their children to cope with the situations life presents. They cannot control the outcome, and the attempt to do so frequently backfires. Witness Sally's experience trying to keep George away from Irene, and Bernice's attempt to bring them together.

There are four questions and for now I'll chose the 4th and last. A mother's responsibility to her children is to give the best parenting she possibly can and then pray it was the best. And that happiness then follows that responsibility.

No, mothers do not have control of their children later in their lives. First, children are not blank sheets of paper and they are born with certain wiring, temperament, etc. What mothers and fathers do is guide, coach, love and teach their children to be good citizens, we are not God and do not mold them from scratch. Children have to assume responsibility for their adult life and choices.

As for happiness, it is not my goal for my children. We are not entitled to being happy- it is not a right, it is not
essential like air, water, and food. It is nice if you find happiness but is not something you can guarantee anyone, especially your children. Life is not easy, it is challenging and to set your children up to believe they should be happy all the time will end up being a huge disappointment as it is not realistic.
Lastly to your first part of the question, Bernice actually did use her "astrology & psychic gifts" to manipulate George to find Irene- she did attempt to shape their paths.

I think we have some influence over our children's lives forever. We hope to give them the skills to be good, responsible and happy people who can make good decisions in their lives. I think influence is much more important than control. I personally have no desire to control my children's lives because that would mean I know what is best for them which I don't. We cannot live ( or should not try to live) vicariously through our children because while we give them life, we don't own it

No matter how much a parent wants and grooms a child to follow a certain direction, it doesn't work. Children don't take over family businesses or become the person their mother or father wasn't able to become. Children follow their own inner desires. Mothers should protect, nurture and guide their children to be self sufficient.