Do children owe their parents anything?

More of that same unconditional love and acceptance of what their parents decide to do with their lives after the children are off on their own. In a perfect world the roles would gradually reverse so that as parents age and crumble, their children will make sure they have adequate housing, food, clothing and medical care.

If the parents gave the children anything, then yes, certainly, they should respect and agknowledge that. I don’t think, however, that douchebags and abusive assholes should get to use biological relation as a trump card.

Wow. Actually an interesting flip of the coin, Blue. You hear that ever-famous line, “I didn’t ask to be here (born)!” Well, guess what, you were born, now you are here and you have some responsibilities. (IMO)

I can’t make my child love me, thankfully, mine do love me. I do expect respect – as I show my children respect. I extend trust and honest, I think I am owed the same. It’s not always guaranteed, children make mistakes, so do parents.

We’re pretty clear in our house.

1. Be honest
2. Always do your best – it doesn’t have to be perfect, but you need to do your best.
3. Be respectful and we will do the same.
4. You live in this house, you will help maintain the house.
5. We have rules, obey them or yes, there will be consequences.
6. Know that we always love you. You may not like what we decide, but we make our decision based on our beliefs and the understanding that we are trying to do the best for you, always.

I think that children need to be aware of what is expected of them and hopefully, they will return what you expect. (not always – it’s a work in progress. I’m still learning – 15 & 5, I still am learning!)

Sometimes when I get really mad at my parents, and I mean really mad, I remind them that I’m the one who’s gonna decide which home they’re gonna live in :P

They need to change my diapers when I’m old and crankey!

I actually don’t expect anything of my children once they’re grown. I hope they’ll love and respect me, but I don’t think they owe it to me. I wouldn’t want them taking me in when I’m too old to care for myself, changing my diapers and the like. I’d rather live in my own home, with paid for in-home assistance, but if I couldn’t have that, I’d rather live in a nursing home than with my adult child.

In my specific case, I’m positive I don’t owe my mother a damn thing. I do love and respect my step-father though.

@Judi – you? Cranky? Seriously? Not possible.

@cak ask my kids!

@Judi – that’s true – they always have a different opinion, don’t they? ;)

Actually, my children would probably say I was easy going, it’s my employess who find me intimidating. Once my daughter had a conversation with one and they couldn’t believe they were talking about the same person!

I owe my parents at least six thousand bucks.

There very existence perhaps?

Just sex…yeah, I should really stop making so many incest jokes on fluther.

It depends on the parent(s). Will the octuplets owe their mother anything later in life?

I’m not certain that she will want to collect what they owe her. They might not be terribly happy with their various disabilities or with being part of a group of fourteen. And they definitely out number her.

Good answer!

I owe my parents a lot. In particular, care when they can no longer care for themselves.

My kids don’t owe me anything.

Respect, at the very least. Next to that, read cak above.

No. You don’t choose to be born. If you are treated with respect and as a person, then have a relationship with the people that CHOSE to bring you into the world, then you can CHOSE to be there later in life when they need you. If they treat you like crap as if you were an imposition and unwanted, cast aside and abused, why on earth would you owe them anything at all? Not that I’m bitter…

I believe adult children should ensure their elderly parents have enough food, access to healthcare, and good shelter. I did that for my own parents. Not because I owed them anything I didn’t but because they are human beings, and plus they were my parents.

I would do that for a dog if I knew it was in distress.