What's the bare minimum (rephrased)

[Spexxvet]

This is the philosophy forum, FFS.

Rephrased for the overly pedantic and those who just can't seem to play along:

What is that bare minimum standard of living that you want for your children?

The answer cannot be "what ever they want".

If you don't have children, use your imagination.

[glatt]

That's easy. I want them to have far more than the bare minimum.
I want them to have clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, healthy food to eat. I want them to have an education through college. I want them to have healthcare if they get sick, and healthcare to keep them from getting sick.

I want them to have clothes that fit, look good, and keep them comfortable. I want them to have shelter.

I want them to have a community that values them. I want them to have more than just drudgery to look forward to. I want them to have libraries and museums and playing fields that they can use. I want them to have freedom when they get older. I want them to have opportunities when they are older. I want them to be loved and have friends.

[Undertoad]

they want a PS3 and their own display to play it on

[footfootfoot]

What is that bare minimum standard of living that you want for your imagination?

[HungLikeJesus]

If I had kids, I'd want them to struggle and to find their own way.

[infinite monkey]

My imaginary kids are bright, resourceful, and strong. I don't smother them and imagine illnesses upon them. I don't buzz around every single aspect of their lives like a helicopter. I help them through their failures and celebrate their successes, but I don't imagine that their experiences are all about me.

My imaginary kids will learn a work ethic, and won't lay around the house whining and crying about some nanny-boo-boo some other kid or teacher subjected them to and expect me to swoop in and wring my hands and bitch. They will learn to deal with problems without my constant intervention.

My imaginary kids won't value possessions above all else, with little to no role in obtaining those possessions.

So my imaginary kids will make it through whatever life down the road either presents to them or denies them. They'll be just as happy swimming in the old quarry as they will be playing Super Duper Nintendo Gotta-have War Face 5. Probably happier.

They'll know that Johnny Mo Mo's Extremely Indulgent and Skittish parents aren't doing Johnny Mo Mo any freaking favors.

Of course, every imaginary child is different, so your mileage with your imaginary child may vary.

[HungLikeJesus]

I think that's pretty much in agreement with what I said.

[infinite monkey]

Absolutely. Great minds, and all.

[Sundae]

If I had children I'd want them to be confident to the point of being obnoxious.
I'd want them to get everything they wanted, whether by hard work, negotion or subterfuge. I'd be proudest if it was a mixture of the three.
They wouldn't care what strangers thought about them, or ever doubt that they were loved.
And I would descend like an avenging angel if they were ever out-maneuvered; we would stand as a family against the world if necessary.

Oh and we would know how to argue passionately without spite or (metaphorical) internal bleeding.

I borrow the Addams Family motto - Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.

I'm not saying I believe the above is how children should be raised.
I'm just saying that is what I want for mine.

Be grateful that I decided to remain barren.

[HungLikeJesus]

SG's kids are a pain in the butt.

[infinite monkey]

Little liars.

My imaginary kids don't like her imaginary kids.

[Rhianne]

I sold my kids to the gypsies for the bare minimum. £85 each.

[Sundae]

As written above, they'd be monsters
But even I know you don't get the outcome you wish for when it comes to children.
You get what you are given and do the best you can.

For the children in my class I wish that this year they take away a feeling that the adults have been fair. That good behaviour warrants praise and bad behaviour is unacceptable. And they have a pleasure in academic achievement, from moving up a level on Awesome Addition, to getting a high five for another word wall conquered, to moving up another level in reading. And that other achievements are recognised, like getting housepoints for good manners in the corridor or being singled out for praise in PE or singing.

Some of our lower ability children will never excel academically.
We have children in our classroom that are unlikely to ever live independently.
But I think it's important to allow every child a chance to shine. Which is not about lowering standards, but boosting self esteem and still pushing children to be the best thaey can be.

One of the lads I read with has come on so well in the last few months.
He still struggles.
He still does not read at home. Ever. Sigh.
But he looks forward to our daily reading sessions and now recognises so many words by sight (as opposed to guessing/ sounding out words he should be familiar with like "it" or "he")

I bribe him with stickers for each wordwall completed.
His favourites have a picture of Diz on them.
I am creating a future army of cat lovers.

[infinite monkey]

Originally Posted by Sundae

As written above, they'd be monsters
But even I know you don't get the outcome you wish for when it comes to children.
You get what you are given and do the best you can.

Yeah, because, um, my kids are IMAGINARY.

[Sundae]

Yebbut, your imaginary kids weren't called monsters.
Mine were.
I had to defend them!